Do Not Hinder Me!

Throughout the night I awoke…

Thinking about the word “hindrance”…

Intuitively we know it means something that prevents something (or someone). Go look it up all you want, but the synonyms define this word better than the definitions.

Synonyms: impediment, obstacle, barrier, bar, obstruction, handicap, block, hurdle, restraint, restriction, limitation, encumbrance, interference;

Sometimes, others hinder us from proceeding, but it is probably more frequently that we are our own worst enemies and prevent ourselves from advancing! We set the limits based upon our interpretation of self.

From struggling with advanced math ability, I was told to never have anything to do with computers – hence, I proved them wrong and entered banking and IT and worked successfully with computers for over 30 years, never once impacted by a lack of math skills. I programmed in over 30 languages, and managed people and budgets for years.

Ernest Hello was a French Roman Catholic from the 1800’s. Born with a frail disposition, he was constantly bombarded by a spinal disease that prevented him from experiencing abundant living. He pursued theology, philosophy and literature. If any one struggled with hindrances, this thinker was considerably impacted by his physical limitations. But it did not limit him!

“The man who gives up accomplishes nothing and is only a hindrance. The man who does not give up can move mountains.” ~Ernest Hello

You want to move mountains? Then never give up!

Imagine if Stephen W. Hawking limited himself because of the frailty of his own body… Or perhaps Jesse Owens due to the color of his skin… Or Thomas Edison because he failed in his experiments more than he succeeded… Or James Michener who began writing his enormous works after he reached his 50’s!

Or you… If anyone has a right to be hindered by their circumstances, perhaps it is you. Physical, socio-economics, career, class, culture, ethnicity… A seemingly endless list that excuses you from being successful. But did you live below your ability? Only you can answer that!

Our limiting focus can be found in how we live our lives, physically and spiritually. You may have great natural success, but are severely limited in your spiritual approach. Listen to Jesus for a moment.

So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:20-21 NKJV)

Faith. Faith to proceed, as well as to be successful in accomplishing the impossible. Faith allows you to overcome self-limiting factors. You can be better than the generation before you, and open up the future to subsequent generations!

Imagine what you will do with your attempt at success! Your children will be better off because you tried! Your parents will be proud of you in your focus!