(An excerpt from my new book BOLD: 101 Daily Devotions to DREAM BOLD & LIVE BIGGER).
Have you ever found yourself knowing the right thing to do then choosing not to do it? You know you shouldn’t eat that cookie if you want to lose weight, but you eat it anyway. Or maybe you recognize emotional pain that needs healing, but you avoid counseling. Perhaps you see a pattern where you achieve something great—whether it’s in finances, relationships, or personal growth—then ruin your own progress. This behavior has a name: self-sabotage.
We all know the term, and we’ve all experienced it in some way. It’s so common that we can find ourselves tolerating it, downplaying it, or even joking about it. But self-sabotage is not something to take lightly, nor should it be minimized.
Here’s the truth: Self-sabotage is a sign that we are not viewing ourselves as God views us.
It reveals a disconnect between our internal beliefs and our external results. If our soul or mind believes something contrary to what’s going on around us, we will act in ways that align with that false belief, even if we don’t consciously want to. For example, if you believe deep down that you are unworthy of success, you may sabotage your success—even though you consciously desire it—because your internal belief system is out of alignment.
Scripture says: Through my experience of this principle, I discover that even when I want to do good, evil is ready to sabotage me. Truly, deep within my true identity, I love to do what pleases God. But I discern another power operating in my humanity, waging war against the moral principles of my conscience and bringing me into captivity as a prisoner to the ‘law’ of sin—this unwelcome intruder in my humanity. —Romans 7:21–23 TPT
This passage reminds us that though, deep within my true identity, I love to do what pleases God, there is another force—this unwelcome intruder—that wars against our conscience, a disconnect that tries to bring us back into captivity. This disconnect leads to a constant internal struggle. You might go to church, pray, or read your Bible, but if you still carry false beliefs about God or yourself, you won’t experience the fullness of His promises.
Self-sabotage is not just a behavior problem; it’s also a belief problem.
To overcome it, we must unlearn the lies we’ve believed about ourselves and God. We can’t simply add more information or learn more Scripture; we have to unlearn the falsehoods that have shaped our beliefs. Only then can we walk in alignment with God’s truth.
I challenge you with this idea: What if the reason you’re not seeing the mighty works of God in your life, in your family, in your career, or in your community isn’t because God isn’t capable but because of the beliefs you’ve held onto? Too often, we accommodate our false beliefs instead of testing them against God’s truth. We act according to what we think we know rather than stepping out in faith to trust God’s promises.
The truth is: Self-sabotage is not who you are. You are a child of the Most High God, and His Spirit lives within you. You weren’t born to be anxious, a people pleaser, a procrastinator, or a self-saboteur. These are learned behaviors, often formed to protect ourselves or avoid pain. But they don’t define you.
So what do we do when we feel the pull of self-sabotage?
As today’s passage continues: What an agonizing situation I am in! So who has the power to rescue this miserable man from the unwelcome intruder of sin and death? I give all my thanks to God, for His mighty power has finally provided a way out through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! (Romans 7:24–25 TPT) This passage shows us two key steps.
- First, we need to recognize the behavior in real time. The next time you catch yourself in a pattern of self-sabotage, stop. Notice what’s happening and interrupt the behavior. Once you recognize it, you can do something about it.
- Second, we need to call upon the name of Jesus. Jesus has already provided a way out. His Spirit empowers you to overcome the habits and beliefs that keep you trapped. Instead of ignoring the behavior, pretending it away, or willpowering your way through it, seek Him with all your heart and allow His grace to provide a way out. That means consciously choosing not to sabotage the blessings He has for you. Instead of believing the lie, walk in authority using God’s truth.
Today, I encourage you to allow the Lord to transform you and align your internal beliefs with His truth, so you can walk in the freedom and power that are yours in Christ.
✨ Want to take the next step in your own dream journey? Grab a copy of my book BOLD: 101 Daily Devotions to DREAM BOLD and LIVE BIGGER and join our online community BOLD DREAMERS—where faith, dreams, and divine connections come alive.
