when resistance feels like a roadblock--but it's really a sign to keep going

This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about resistance—not just any resistance, but the kind that creeps in from within. The frustrating, sneaky kind that shows up even when we know we want something different for ourselves.

And let’s be real—the enemy loves this. He wants to keep us stuck, doubting and questioning whether the change we seek is worth it.

I want change.

I want to create new memories.

I want to get more organized.

I want to feel better in my body.

And yet, resistance shows up every single time.

I tell myself, Today’s the day. I’m going to eat healthier. But then, the thought of actually prepping my meals feels unbearable. So I push it off. I eat whatever is easy. And then, hours later, I’m frustrated with myself, wondering why I keep repeating the same cycle.

I do the same thing with prayer. I want to spend more time in God’s presence; I know I need it, but somehow, I convince myself I don’t have the time.

Rest? Same thing. My body craves it, but when I finally get the chance to sit still, I start scrolling, cleaning, or overthinking about a million things I “should” be doing instead.

It’s not that I don’t want the change. I do.

So why is it so hard to move toward the things that will actually make me better?

The Spiritual Battle of Resistance

Resistance doesn’t always feel like a big, obvious force holding us back. It’s not some dramatic YOU SHALL NOT PASS moment. Most of the time, it looks like:

• Putting things off until later… and then later never comes.

• Convincing yourself, you’ll start tomorrow, next Monday, and next month.

• Overthinking every step until the effort feels overwhelming.

• Feeling stuck in old habits—even when you know they aren’t serving you.

  
  

Resistance is sneaky. It disguises itself as discomfort, hesitation, and procrastination. The deep-rooted patterns keep us in the familiar, even when we’re desperate for something new.

And let’s be honest—it’s spiritual, too.

The enemy doesn’t care if we stay in cycles of self-doubt, exhaustion, or inconsistency. He prefers it. Because when we feel like we’re failing, we start to wonder if we’re dreaming too big, “doing too much,” or if our progress even matters.

But what if God is actually using this resistance to teach us something?

What if He’s training us to resist the old ways so we can fully walk into the new? I know. That’s not what we want to hear. Trust me, I get it. The thought of this feeling being "good" for me annoys me, because sometimes I just want things to be easier. I want to take a deep breath and step into something new without the stretching, the waiting, or the work.

But when I look at scripture, I realize that God never promised easy—He promised transformation.

📖 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." – Romans 12:2

Transformation isn’t just about external change—it starts in the mind. Resistance often comes because our minds have been conditioned to hold on to what’s familiar, even when that very thing is what’s keeping us stuck. God wants to renew our thinking and shift our perspective so that we can align with His perfect will rather than stay in patterns that no longer serve us.

📖 "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." – Galatians 6:9

The challenge isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about trusting that this process is refining, strengthening, and preparing us for what we’ve been asking for.

Resistance Is Proof That We’re Moving Forward

We don’t struggle with knowing what we want. We struggle with pushing through the discomfort, distractions, and obstacles that arise when we commit to change.

We must learn to work with resistance—to recognize its purpose without letting it stop us.

Let’s look at the definition of resistance:“The refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument.”

So, while we want change, what are our bodies and minds telling us about it?

I don’t think most of us lack direction. I think we lack the endurance to push through the obstacles that will come up as we pursue the progress we desire.

And the truth? We can’t do it without God.

He has the answers. The strategy. The wisdom. And when our legs feel weak, He carries us forward.

Pushing Through Resistance With God

I don’t have all the answers, but I know this—resistance isn’t a stop sign.

Just because something feels hard to start doesn’t mean it’s impossible. And just because we’ve struggled to follow through before doesn’t mean we can’t follow through now.

So, this week, instead of fighting resistance, I’m trying to work with it.

✅ Instead of meal prepping an entire week, I’m committing to just one day at a time

✅ Instead of trying to force long, structured prayers, I’m focusing on small, consistent conversations with God throughout the day.

✅ Instead of waiting for the perfect moment to rest, I’m honoring my body’s need for breaks—even when my mind tells me to “push through.”

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is momentum.

I know I won’t wake up tomorrow magically free from resistance. But I also understand that every small step I take in the right direction makes the next step easier.

What About You?

Have you been feeling resistance in any area of your life? Maybe you want to start something new, take better care of yourself, or break a habit holding you back.

Whatever it is, you’re not alone.

I’d love to hear from you—where have you been feeling resistance? And how can we push through it together?