Before the foundations of the world, God had a purpose for our lives. His desire was that all would enter into a covenant relationship with him and live our lives in such a way that bring him glory. The Bible tells us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psa 139:14 KJV). God knows us inside and out and desires that we would see ourselves through his eyes; whole and complete lacking nothing. When we walk in this type of revelation and confidence, our situations, circumstances and flesh become subject to the word of God.
When Kingdom life and principles are intentionally walked out, nothing can stop us or get in our way except – what we allow! We essentially can become our own worse enemies. I often say, “No one can stop you from moving into the things of God except for yourself”. The enemy doesn’t have that much power over us, only what we give him. We have the choice to believe what we hear and how we are going to respond to it. We have been given the authority to speak to every situation as Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) tell us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
If I say I want freedom, I must walk in freedom. I must live freely by following Christ’s principles. I only remain bound when I willfully participate in thoughts and behavioral patterns that leave me defeated. When I say I want the liberty that Christ has used to set me free, I cannot stay in the yoke of bondage. When I say I want to be delivered, I no longer subject myself to situations that feed my stronghold. If I am not intentional in those lifestyle changes, I am essentially saying I want to remain powerless. This dichotomy is a form of sabotage and we give way to this frame of mind when a person says they want something, yet does the exact opposite of the results they say they want to see. Self-sabotage is when this becomes a habitual repeated way of living.
Self-sabotage is saying something we want and then going about life making sure it doesn’t happen.” ~ Alice P. Corny-Selby.
Self-sabotage is when “I” deliberately destroy, damage or stand in the way of a desired goal.
While the term “self-sabotage” is not biblical, it is essentially a by-product of negative thinking, which takes place in the mind, finds its way to our speech and manifests itself in our actions. The mind is the battleground for success or defeat. Self-sabotage attaches itself to fear, low self-esteem, and feelings of rejection, unworthiness and a lack of self- discipline. Romans 12: 2a (NIV) remind us that we must “not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This will help us to know that perfect will of God.
Self-sabotaging myself was something that I often gave way to. There were seasons in my life when I would follow hard after God, moving towards the direction he was calling me to and yet would shrink back in the face of adversity. I would sabotage myself, slacking in my spiritual disciplines, leaving myself an easy open target for defeat. I would allow myself to be overthrown by not usurping the power the Lord had given me.
In more practical areas, I would sabotage myself in lei of my weight loss goals. I would meet my goal and lose weight, yet celebrate by going back to a lifestyle of poor eating habits that would ultimately bring the weight right back on. I wasn’t developing by way of balance, which is what I was essentially saying that I wanted.
As we pursue God and the vision he has given us, our desire should always be to draw closer to the Lord no matter what the cost. If you find that you struggle with sabotaging yourself, emerge yourself in God’s word. God’s word is able to combat all patterns of negative thinking and bad habits.
Look yourself in the mirror and declare that you will not stand in the way of God’s divine purpose for your life. Speak into the atmosphere that you will line up with who God’s word says that you are and be intentional about developing in the disciplines God is calling you to. End the cycle of self-sabotage and embrace your new normal so that you can influence and impact the areas God has predestined you for.
Kristin C. Jennings was born on January 1, 1979 in Fort Washington, MD to James and Pamela Woods, Sr. Kristin is the sixth child out of seven children and completed her early education in Prince George’s County Public School System. In December 2002, Kristin graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with an undergraduate degree in Sociology. In May of 2016, Kristin graduated from Howard University with a Masters Degree in Social Work.
Kristin is currently working at First Home Care as a Community Support Specialist who offers supportive services to families whose children have been removed due to neglect and/or abuse, which ranges from physical, sexual, verbal or emotional. Kristin supports children in foster care to help them transition into their new home with as little trauma as possible. Kristin’s mission is to pass the Licensure State Board Exam to become a Psychotherapist and has a long-term goal of opening her own private practice that specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy.
On October 18, 2004, Kristin married the love of her life, Johnathan L. Jennings, Sr. Kristin and John have been married for 11 years and have four beautiful children, Isaiah Jennings (17), Johnathan L. Jennings, Jr aka Chizz (11), Joshua J. Jennings (9) and Ivori K. Jennings (6). Kristin’s desire is to always serve her family as her first ministry. Kristin is currently the servant leader over the Women’s Ministry at High Calling Ministries where she has been a member since 2008.
Kristin has a passion for helping others uncover old thoughts, emotions and patterns that prevent them from moving into the areas where God is calling them. Kristin’s desire is to help people see their full potential and begin to view themselves through God’s eyes. Kristin’s desire is to help people know more about Christ, which will in turn help them learn more about themselves and the gifts and talents God has placed in them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this article. It reminded me of a speech I gave at a women’s retreat on “Preparing Yourself to be Elevated”. God DOES have a purpose for our lives; we must be ready physically, spiritually and mentally so we can move in His will when we are called.