020 God Speaks: Hinderences to Hearing God part 7

Breaking Free from Hindrances: A Story of Obedience and Freedom

Sometimes, the biggest hindrances in our lives are the things we’re not willing to let go of. They may look harmless on the surface, but beneath the surface, they can be chains that keep us bound and prevent us from walking in the fullness of God’s plan.

I want to share a story about a young girl who experienced this firsthand—and the freedom she found when she chose obedience over bondage.

Hearing God in Ministry

I was ministering in New York City and praying for people at the end of a service when I noticed a teenage girl standing in front of me. As I prayed for her, the Lord spoke something specific to me about the necklace she was wearing.

I sensed God saying that the necklace had been given to her by a boy who had been abusing her. Without asking any questions, I described to her what God had revealed: the necklace was a token of a relationship that was hurting her, and God wanted her to know that she deserved so much better.

As I spoke, tears streamed down her face. She wept openly, and it was clear that God was bringing conviction and healing to her heart.

The Power of Letting Go

In that moment, the Lord impressed on me to tell her: “You need to end this relationship. Take off the necklace. Break it off completely.”

She didn’t hesitate. Right there, in front of her friends and the congregation, she pulled the necklace off. Then, she removed a ring the boy had given her as well. Her friends stood in awe, fully aware of the situation she had been in and the courage it took for her to take this step.

What happened next was remarkable. The rest of the evening, her face was radiant with joy. She danced freely before the Lord, her burden lifted, and her spirit filled with newfound freedom. The relationship that had been a source of bondage was no longer holding her back.

What’s Holding You Back?

This young girl’s story is a powerful reminder that some of the things we hold onto—whether relationships, habits, or even seemingly “good” things—can hinder our relationship with God.

Sometimes, the very things we cling to are the ones that rob us of peace, joy, and intimacy with Him. They may not even be outright sinful, but if they’re not God’s best for us, they can keep us from experiencing the fullness of life He desires to give.

In the case of this girl, the relationship had become a source of disobedience. It was stealing from her, keeping her bound, and preventing her from stepping into the freedom God had for her. But the moment she chose God over the relationship, everything changed.

The Cost of Obedience

Obedience often requires sacrifice. For this girl, it meant letting go of a relationship that gave her a sense of belonging, even though it was unhealthy. For others, it might mean giving up something that feels good but isn’t aligned with God’s will.

Letting go can be hard, but the reward is always worth it. Jesus said in Matthew 16:25, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” When we surrender the things that hinder us, we gain so much more in return—freedom, peace, and intimacy with God.

A Prayer for Freedom

Lord, help us to recognize the hindrances in our lives—the relationships, habits, or distractions that are keeping us from You. Give us the courage to let go, even when it’s hard. We want You more than anything else. Free us from anything that steals our joy, our peace, or our intimacy with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Closing Thought

What are you holding onto that might be holding you back? Take some time to ask God to reveal anything in your life that’s become a hindrance. It could be a relationship, a mindset, or even something that seems good but isn’t God’s best for you.

Like the young girl in this story, when you’re ready to let go, you’ll find freedom waiting on the other side. God’s plans for you are always good, and He’s ready to lead you into greater joy and intimacy with Him. Are you ready to trust Him and obey?