Internal Obstacles to Progress
Last week we thought about the impact of encountering external obstacles when we are trying to start
something new or getting unstuck. Usually, external obstacles are right out in the open and the
approach to them may be practical actions. Sometimes, we strategize a way around the obstacle or
decide to persevere through it or change something we are doing so there is space for something new.
“Internal obstacles are usually hard to see. They show up as subtle cues in our behavior or responses.
Usually we can’t name our own internal obstacles until we bump up against the blockages they produce.
These obstacles block us when our thinking patterns throw a wrench in the gears of forward progress.
Here are some common examples:
Inability to dream or unusual limitations on dreaming – what is holding you back from imagining
what could be?
We feel stuck – something is holding us back.
Irrational fears or beliefs that don’t fit known facts – we know we have the experience and
maybe the ability, but we disqualify ourselves.
Inability to face something – We have talked about changing or challenging something but we
avoid looking at it or doing something about it.
Repeated playback of negative labels – I have always believed I couldn’t do that.
Christian Life Coaching, Tony Stoltzfus
Often, our internal obstacles are deeply held beliefs or principles and we feel like we have much
evidence to prove that they are true. “I know I will fail, I always fail.” We can hold on to these things
and they can prevent us from trying. Interestingly, we don’t often look for the evidence that the belief is
not true. We often only focus on all the ways it is true. These internal obstacles can be very difficult to
work through and often seeking the help of a coach or a therapist is very helpful.
I remember a time in my life when I was confronted with both internal and external obstacles. My
husband and I had said yes to the dream/call God had spoken to us about to go back to school and then
into vocational ministry. We had taken the steps to move across country with our two tiny girls and he
was to start college again and this time finish so we could go forward. There were many external
obstacles we had to move through, but the biggest obstacle for me was the internal obstacle of trusting
God and the way he works.
We knew that the church we were attending was going to take a special missions offering in a couple
weeks and unlike us at the time, we decided that we should give $30.00. He had just started school and
I was babysitting in our home. Thirty years ago, $30.00 was a big sacrifice for us. During the week
before the offering was to be taken, my husband got double pneumonia and landed in the hospital. I
was left with many external obstacles to overcome in the days ahead, but the internal obstacle of the
belief and principle that I should take care of myself and others but that I should never be on the
receiving end was so powerful that I almost missed out on God’s answer to my fears and witnessing a
miracle.
When the offering plate came that Sunday I kept thinking, “God wouldn’t want my children to starve.”
“We chose to go back to school.” Others shouldn’t be responsible for our decision.” “Cecelia, you give –
you don’t take.” Well, I put the $30.00 check in anyway but was so fearful, so sure I was making a
mistake. By the time I left for home after church, several people had heard about our situation and had
placed three $20.00 bills in my hand. A week later, I came out from church and found my car full of
groceries and we used every single thing we had been given up the day before my husband got paid
next. A miracle of God’s provision through the hands of others!
My lesson in this experience was not about giving but receiving. I grew up with a deep principle that I
needed to be self-sufficient and for most of my life I lived closely adhering to that principle. In general,
it is good to work hard, take care of ourselves, but God never intended us to be an island. We are a
Body, a Community, part of Humanity. I learned (when I was finally able to let go of that obstacle) that
sometimes being vulnerable and seeking help from others provides an opportunity for someone to
minister to me. Do I still wrestle with this from time to time – yes! But I recognize it now and try not to
let it prevent me from relying and receiving from others.
Working through obstacles, external and internal is hard. We have to begin to think differently, get rid
of messages about ourselves, others and God that we have hung onto. But, He is waiting for us to
believe and accept what He has said in Jeremiah 29: 11, “For I know the plans I have for you, “says the
Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. If you look for me
in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you.” says the Lord.
What obstacles do you need to look for His future and hope today? We can trust that we will find Him
there.