The Defiant LifeSample

Defy Internal Barriers

Standing at 8,848 meters or 29,029 feet above sea level, Mt. Everest is the highest mountain on earth. This formidable mountain has claimed the lives of many daring explorers who have attempted to conquer it. But one name shall forever be etched in history, Sir Edmund Hilary. Sir Edmund attempted to climb Mt. Everest but failed on several occasions. However, one of his famous quotes was, “Mount Everest, today you have defeated me, but you have grown as large as you can be, but I’m still growing.” In 1953, he attempted to climb Mt. Everest together with Tenzing Norgay, and they made history by becoming the first people to reach the top of Mt Everest. When I reflect on the determined resolve of Sir Edmund Hilary, what stands out is the realization that what lies before you is not equally as important as what lies within you. In life, we are faced with many barriers, both externally and internally. However, overcoming internal barriers will position you to overcome external barriers that you face. At times, we magnify the external barriers when we should address the internal barriers such as fear, doubt, insecurity, regret, and worry. More often, it is the internal barriers that serve to keep us out of the opportunities that come our way. We must learn to identify and address the internal barriers that keep fighting us. Only then can we truly conquer the external barriers.

There was a time when I battled with a lot of self-doubt, which kept me from stepping out and doing things God had called me to do. This was an internal barrier that was self-defeating. Eventually, I embarked on a journey to break this cycle in my life. It began by learning to replace my old ways of thinking with the truth of the word of God. I had to make a daily choice to live out of the truth of the word of God instead of my doubts.

The Bible teaches us that you must renew your mind to live a transformed life. It’s not easy to do, but it’s worth it when you stick with the process and see the results. We often give up too soon because we believe these internal barriers are impenetrable strongholds. But there is nothing that God’s word cannot do. It’s strong enough to break every internal barrier of fear, anxiety, depression, or addiction that may be challenging you. What internal barriers do you need to defy? What does God’s word say about these things?