Strongholds! The sins that so easily beset, which become an an action we do follow… and typically regret. Obviously planks and boulders are hindrances but I also believe that when we attempt to ignore them they grow into even bigger obstacles. The point is to face them and purpose to overcome their power, their stronghold in our lives. And yes, that sometimes is more difficult than initially expected. Personally, I would recommend not attempting this on your own – besides, you have someone who sticks closer than a brother willing and able to help.
Part of the reason for the difficulties is that I don’t ever view them as being in isolation. They are linked and interconnected. While I know that attempting to resolve all the obstacles at the same time is asking for disaster – it really can’t be done and this isn’t the best approach. After a number of attempts at doing everything simultaneously, my latest process is to focus on one at a time but to also be aware of the linkages and try to discern if there is a plank or boulder that needs to be dealt with prior to focusing on the particular besetting sin. Sounds like a good plan and quite rational but it doesn’t always work that smoothly. When I can’t follow through with this process I focus on the strongest first.
My experiences have been that if you don’t deal with the strongest, the underlying issue then the lesser planks simply hold on to the other stronger planks. Does this sound like I’m giving them more ability than they have? Don’t think so. Planks and boulders are forces and your success is not something they would want. You need to view your own planks and boulders as the obstacles they truly are. What’s their goal? To stop you from being all and doing all you can! That’s why you can’t consider them as ‘only a little thing’. They do have power – power to keep you from the abundant life.
We all have had lessons about the impacts and effects of what happens when the ‘little sin’ has held sway and controls. Yet too often we continue to look at them as inconveniences and not what they truly are and their plan to thwart us. The terrific news is that you can overcome. Overcome! The goal of facing down those obstacles called planks and boulders. You are able. Your manual (scripture) will be your foundation to reach your goal. But – it won’t be done for you. You are the one who is beset and you are the one who has to take a stand… and you are the one who will get the victory. It is at the point of overcoming that the planks and boulders lose all their power to control.
