by Arnita Taylor

When I ponder the concept of "permission granted," there are so many facets to consider. Understanding this concept involves understanding and believing that you’ve been authorized by God to carry out something for God! The key word is "believing." To believe means to "accept as true, genuine, real."

It’s imperative for you to believe that God’s granted you permission, because until you do, you probably won’t begin to pursue your potential. You have to deal with the hindrances that hold you back from moving forward—the mental obstacles that bind you and prohibit you from fulfilling God’s destiny for your life.

One of the shackles that constrains us is our tendency to make excuses. We have to make a conscious decision to stop making excuses. There isn’t an excuse in the world good enough for you to stop pursuing your God-given potential. Excuses are all too easy to give, so be intentional about ending that cycle. Constantly seek God for direction and clarity.

Another hindrance that often stops us from moving forward is selling ourselves short. Our perspective is limited; we are finite beings, but we serve an infinite God. It’s easy to stop pursuing your true potential when you think your situation can’t change, but your current or past situation doesn’t dictate your future. Your experiences uniquely prepare you to minister and serve. God has a specific plan for you that only you can fulfill, and He has fully equipped you with the gifts, talents, strengths, interests, experiences, personality and abilities to do it. He desires for you to not only believe the truth, but to also live out the truth. Make sure you factor God into all of your decision-making.

Another obstacle you may face is low self-esteem. But this is only a mindset, and you have the power to end this. The only way to overcome this obstacle is to dig into the absolute truth of the Word of God. Focus on God’s promises and principles. You are His prized creation. You are so valuable; He sent His Son to die for you!

Possibly the biggest obstacle to walking forward in permission and authority is fear, specifically the fear of failure. But failure isn’t our enemy, and it’s not evil. Failure makes us teachable; it opens our eyes to the need for direction, clarity and guidance. It makes us seek wisdom and God’s ways. Behind every success, there is failure. Always remember that in the eyes of the world Jesus was considered a failure.

Perhaps you’re fearful of change or being uncomfortable. Don’t forget that because God is unchangeable, your walk with Him will cause you to change.

The “status quo” isn’t your friend, and I strongly encourage you to continually change and move towards the likeness of Christ.

There’s a female singing group named En Vogue who had many hits several years ago. In one of their songs, they sang the line “Free your mind and the rest will follow.” Wow, how true! Your behavior will reflect what your mind believes. In my own personal walk, this has proven true many times. It’s so freeing to stop focusing on “doing better” and to simply live out God’s truths. Paul had this in mind when he told the believers in Rome: “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, nkjv). Renewing your mind means choosing to align your thoughts with God’s Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to dictate what’s planted in your mind and what must be rejected. Discipline your mind to dwell on your identity and calling, and intentionally agree with God. The work of God in your life is a process. Let it unfold! 

Come on, let’s go…
permission has
been granted!