In every believer’s journey toward purpose and breakthrough, there is a persistent and often invisible enemy—Resistance. Steven Pressfield, in The War of Art, identifies Resistance as the internal force that rises against any creative or purposeful endeavor. It manifests as fear, procrastination, doubt, and distraction. Biblically, this is not a foreign concept. Scripture repeatedly addresses the battles believers must fight—not just external ones, but those within the mind and spirit.
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1. Identifying Resistance: The Invisible Enemy
“Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure, fabricate; it will seduce you. Resistance is insidious.” In Scripture, Paul echoes a similar struggle:
“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” – Romans 7:19 (NIV)
Here, Paul highlights the internal battle that limits progress. To rise to your next level, you must identify the Resistance within—be it fear of failure, the need for validation, or the comfort of the familiar.
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2. God’s Calling Always Attracts Resistance
Every time God calls someone to a new level, resistance shows up. Consider Moses:
“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’” – Exodus 3:11 (NIV)
Moses immediately felt unworthy and incapable—Resistance whispering lies of inadequacy. But God’s response wasn’t to deny Moses’ limitations; He simply said, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). The presence of Resistance often confirms that you are on the edge of something meaningful.
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3. Resistance is a Signpost, Not a Stop Sign
Resistance only shows up when something truly matters. The greater the Resistance, the more important the task.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
The weariness and temptation to stop are evidence that the enemy is trying to prevent a breakthrough. Resistance is not a sign to stop, but a sign to press in.
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4. Discipline: The Antidote to Resistance
The solution to Resistance is not inspiration but discipline. “The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.”
This parallels the wisdom of Scripture:
“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” – 1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…” – Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)
Faith without works is dead. Likewise, vision without discipline remains unrealized.
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5. The Power of God’s Grace
While human effort is essential, the believer has a divine advantage—grace. God’s grace empowers us beyond our natural limitations.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Resistance may expose your weakness, but grace provides the strength to rise above it.
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6. Obedience Over Outcome
Ultimately, breaking limitations is about obedience, not outcome. You may not control results, but you control your response.
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.” – Isaiah 1:19 (NIV)
It is wise to do the work of the Father and pursue purpose for its own sake and to the Glory of God—not for applause, fame, or security. Scripture echoes this: Do it as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
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To overcome limitations to your next level, recognize that Resistance is real—but not final. You defeat it through spiritual insight, disciplined action, and dependence on God’s grace. Every time you push past fear, take obedient steps, and persevere through difficulty, you are engaging in spiritual warfare that positions you for elevation.
Your next level isn’t just about where you’re going—it’s about who you become in the process.
With Love, Esinam.
Virtuous Living 