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You’re Almost There but It’s Getting Worse
Your spiritual progress can get derailed by an unfinished...
Steven Pawley
August 28, 2025
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I’ve added a new section called GO DEEPER if you’d like to go beyond the two-minute read and get a little more out of today’s message.
Enjoy!
Is it just me or do you feel this way too? The more I desire to make progress in my walk with God the harder the opposition seems to get – in prayer, time in the word, deeper study, service…
It also seems that the more I work at building these things up the more the enemy tries to wear me down: critics, complaints, and all kinds of complications! I’m not the only one, am I?
It feels like we’re in the center of God’s will AND facing maximum friction, like Nehemiah (6:1-2).
We do the right things, feels like we’re almost “there”, and a little weary in the well-doing. So, the enemy watches and waits for our weak moments. At this point, the problems --- intensify!
But in Christ we can be overwhelmed and an overcomer! So often we’re just about to make a big breakthrough in our walk with God only to have one small detail (the doors) left unfinished.
What’s that look like in your life right now? Look for these three distractions that might leave the door open for the enemy to destroy all the progress you’re making relationally or spiritually:
First, be alert to the fact that friendly gestures can be a mask hiding evil intentions (Neh. 6:2). What seems reasonable to your flesh when you’re fatigued can derail you! Ask this first:
“Why should I?” (v. 3-4) Before you take the bait, reason it out. What does this look like if I…?
The subtle suggestions that derailed my progress have taught me the value of “No”!
If the enemy of spiritual progress can’t lure you from the center of God’s will, it will distract your focus by attacking your reputation. False reports and rumors are so frustrating (5-7)!
It’s also effective if you fall for it! So don’t (v. 8)! The enemy to your walk with God is relentless. But here’s where it gets rough: Fear (v. 9).
Fear is famous for stopping progress. It tempts us to make compromises that create questions about our credibility and commitment. A good defense against intimidation is maintaining your integrity.
Remember what’s at stake before you take that break. In Christ you can carry on. Even though you’re feeling overwhelmed, in Christ you can overcome! I’m cheering for you.
Look, the enemy of spiritual progress doesn’t give up easily, but with the mind of Christ we can avoid the mischief. Walk closely with God and become familiar with His ways.
That’s our challenge, isn’t it? But we’re not the only ones! Every godly example in the Bible faced opposition to spiritual progress – it’s normal and you’re in good company!
Use this email to minister to others by sharing it! Your kindness might land at just the right time for someone you care about. It happens to me every time I post!
I’ve added a section below called Go Deeper if you’d like a little more to chew on. Enjoy!
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Some Thoughts To Help You GO DEEPER with Today’s Message
Misguided Union Diminishes Unction (1 Cor. 15:33). Evaluate the kind of company you keep. Are they helping or hindering your spiritual progress? You’ll need godly intuition to know and that is the result of illumination (1 Cor. 2:12-16). Keep company with those who have your best interest at heart.
Vulnerability Does Not Excuse Us from Virtue. The enemy seeks to exploit your problems and exact a high price. You cannot afford to be ruled by a spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7). Never allow the pressure of problems to instigate iniquity. Ask God for wisdom and for virtue.
All Obstacles Can Be Overcome in Christ. Develop the habit of turning to God trustingly no matter what and no matter where. In time, you'll yield to His ways reflexively. Turn to and trust Him in all things and at all times, starting today! If God called you to it, He'll carry you through it (Isa. 43:1-5, 2 Cor. 2:14).
A closing thought: By allowing the magnitude of the task to motivate faithfulness, you develop three key disciplines of spiritual growth: 1) Recall God’s clearly revealed will; 2) Rely confidently on God’s revealed word; 3) Remain completely reliant upon God’s strength and Spirit (Neh. 6:9, Zech 4:6).
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