Feeling Held Back – From the Edges – Morning Devotions

From the Edges – Morning Devotions
Pastor Calvin Cook
LENT – DAY 23 – Being Held Back (3-11-2024)
Scripture Focus – Proverbs 4:10-15 Hear, my son, (child) and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. (ESV)

Recently in a conversation with someone who was having trouble in life but desired to move forward – I heard the words and said the words that have been circling in my mind for decades – the words being “Something is holding me (us, you, all of us) back”.

I remember these words when I was in the third grade, sitting in a classroom with my third-grade teacher and my mother. You remember those conversations as not being good. This conversation, though probably viewed at the time as a disappointment and criticism was probably a pivotal changing point in my life.
I have never been a good student. I have never really liked school. I could sit in my own little world with a group of people and not hear a word being said. I was a daydreamer, always trying to figure out a way, especially in this case to get out of school. Because of this I was failing. I remember the words of Mrs. Newell (the third-grade teacher) “If something doesn’t happen with Calvin, I am going to hold him back.” What? I would be known as a failure as one of the kids who would have to go 13 years of school. I remember the conversation between Mrs. Newell and my Mother. It wasn’t one of defeat but of hopeful criticism. It was “Calvin is bright and smart but something just is happening that he is not applying himself”.
This valuable conversation propelled me to something more. Knowing that it was I that was holding me back. I would have to realize the need to try better, come out of my own world and learn what was being offered. Mrs. Newell’s words and care, though I probably didn’t think it was care at that time changed the course of my academic learning. By the way, Mrs. Newell and her husband Percy became great friends, valued mentors, and a safe place for me in my early 20’s. They attended the church I attended and were part of that great group of witnesses of Christ love that surrounded me and guided me. Something I still desire to experience today not just as receiver but a supporter as well. The desire to be part of a holy community.

Leaving memory lane this morning, is the pressing question What is holding you back?” What is keeping you from moving forward in your faith journey? What is keeping you from experiencing the best that God is offering you and pouring into you? What is affecting you in your relationships with others? What is your focus, is it an honorable, pleasing, trustworthy, praiseworthy, and spiritually building you up?

Proverbs is telling us this morning what is holding us back. It is when we do not receive the instruction that God is giving us. We have not embraced wisdom and direction that has been taught to us. Because of choosing our own directions and getting lost either in the things of the world or our own thoughts, desires, and sinfulness we are being held back from everything that God desires for us.
I really believe we know where the promised land is, but we like the Israelites fear leaving what has made us comfortable, in their case it was slavery and oppression, that is our situation as well. Are we so used to the worldly and hurtful oppression of sin and the things of the world that we are not able to experience the best life possible in Christ our Lord?

If I can borrow some of my third-grade teacher and my mother’s thoughts from so many years ago. Apply yourself, take it one step at a time and allow the Holy Spirit to move in your life. The only thing that will hold you back is you.