Hi Everyone,

Igniting Hope’s incredible staff member, Ash Lumley, is our guest blogger this week. Get ready to be encouraged, equipped, and become aware of an opportunity for breakthrough and growth. 

Unreasonably optimistic, 

Steve Backlund

Sometimes we find ourselves in seasons where we are bumping up against something repeatedly, but can’t quite figure out why we can’t move forward. Maybe it’s a shift in our job, our relationships, our health, or our self-worth. Whatever breakthrough we’re hoping for, it can be so painful when it seems just out of reach. Are there promises and dreams that feel just out of reach for you?

The Bible makes it undeniably clear that God has good intentions for us!

• John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
• Jeremiah 29:11 – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
• Matthew 7:9 – “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
• Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him to be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen!”

I have been on a journey to access these promises, and God has shown me five incredible keys for breakthrough that have made a huge difference in my life. They are:

1. Intentionally breaking up with lies and the voice of the accuser 
2. Partnering with Truth about our identity in Christ 
3. Encountering God as our Father 
4. Walking in emotional health and wellness 
5. Learning to step into our dreams, take risks, and be seen for who we are 

I got so excited about these truths that I have worked with Steve Backlund and the Igniting Hope team to develop our newest online course called Unhindered which starts on August 2. It is a powerful 5-week journey going after the things that could be getting in the way of thriving in our lives. It focuses on one of these five keys each week. 

You can go here to find more information about the course. Plus you can hear many more details in this week’s podcast where Steve and I discuss Unhindered. 

For those who do not feel to take the course at this time, be encouraged that God is for us! When these areas are in alignment with God’s grace, major shifts happen! Becoming aware of the lies restricting us is the first step. Then, as we embrace the truth about who we are, how God sees us and interacts with us as His children, and how much room we have to grow and go after our dreams, we will become unstoppable! We will indeed overcome that which is hindering us. 

We would love to have you join us for this catalytic 5 weeks! (And if you cannot start on August 3rd but would still like to take the course, you can do so at any time at Igniting Hope Academy).