Let Go of Limiting Beliefs

Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:17)

  Imagine you are renovating your house. Apart from preparing the budget, sourcing the contractor, getting designers to draft up the designs, people also get rid of the old and broken stuff, to make space for brand-new furniture and decorations.

  The same holds too when we’re setting goals and plans for our dreams – you might need to take up classes to enhance the skills needed, create a business plan, start a new morning routine, and so on. We need to make space in our lives too.

   Setting the right mindset is a crucial step as your mind is a powerful tool that inspires your action.  The bible verse Matthew 9:17 has mentioned clearly that we can’t pour new wine into old wineskins. This is the same for our mindset. The old wineskins could represent self-destructive habits, poor social circles, etc. The first old wineskin we need to get rid of is limiting beliefs.

  What are the limiting beliefs that you have been holding on to? Forming these beliefs may have taken years and they may have stuck with you without you realizing it. Sometimes these beliefs are disguised as “sensible advice.” For example, have you ever told yourself “not many people are blessed with the work they love” or “suffering in a job is the only way of life”, or “I can’t achieve what I want because I’m not qualified enough “. These end up limiting new possibilities and potential.

  Our God is able and limitless. His plan does not involve you being held back by fear, staying in your comfort zone, or being afraid to get to where you want to be. It is His desire for you to go after your dreams, prosper, succeed, and work alongside Him.

  Recognize your limiting beliefs. Don’t try to hide them. Confront them instead. It is also important to replace these beliefs with positive and godly beliefs and be intentional about feeding our minds. Do we constantly pay attention to negative news and reports, or do we align ourselves with what God says? One of the most important things is to take action. James 2:17 has stated that faith without action is dead. Start small and take baby steps. Even when you feel the limiting beliefs haunting you, keep going and always remember that God’s grace is sufficient, and God is for you.

Activation Exercises

1. Spend some quiet time with God. Ask Him to reveal your limiting beliefs. Write those beliefs down, ask God where these beliefs come from- does it comes from childhood hurt, does it comes from people around you, or does it come disguised as “sensible advice”?

2. How have these limiting beliefs affected you in different aspects of life or decision-making? For example, if you have heard the statement “not many people are lucky enough to do the work they love”, you start to believe that this statement applies to you. When you feel miserable at work, you will repeat this statement to yourself, which results in you not exploring other possibilities. 

3. Do you believe that God is good, and only has our best interest at heart? Take a moment and pray. Ask God to help you let go of these limiting beliefs. Moreover, pray and ask Him what are the beliefs that He wants you to have. Write those new beliefs down. You may also look for the bible verses that are related to positive beliefs and God’s promise- declare and affirm these verses to yourself regularly.

4. Now that you have let go of these limiting beliefs, how do you feel? Do you feel lighter and happier?

5. What would your life be like if you let go of limiting beliefs, and replace them with positive beliefs?  

6. Faith without action is dead. Decide on one action inspired by the positive belief that you are going to implement it today.