Spring Into Action: Breaking Old Habits by Rev. Maria Guzman

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers,

Spring is a season of renewal. It is when dormant seeds sprout and flowers bloom. It is a perfect time to take inventory of our lives and make room for growth, starting by shedding the habits that no longer serve us.

As Brave Hearted Steppers, we are called to live with intentionality, courage, and a wholehearted devotion to God. That means not just stepping forward, but stepping Brave Heartedly.

What are your old habits costing you?

Old habits can make you feel comfortable, but they often keep you stuck in a spiritual, emotional, or even physical bind that holds you back. Whether it's procrastination, negative self-talk, fear-driven decisions, or disconnection from God's Word. These habits can cloud your clarity and dim your light.

The Bible says in Hebrews 12:1 NLT: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."

Breaking old habits is about surrender, not striving. It is not about perfection, but transformation through God's strength.

4 Steps to break old habits, Brave Heartedly

1. Acknowledge the habit without shame

The first step is being honest with yourself and with God. There is no healing without truth, and no freedom without facing the facts. 

The Bible says in 1 John 1:9 NLT: "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."

Ask yourself: What habit is God highlighting in this season? What is it costing me?

2. Replace, don't just remove

Breaking a habit requires replacing it with something life-giving. 

For example: Replace gossip with words of encouragement. Replace fear with declarations of Brave Hearted faith.

The Bible says in Romans 12:2 NLT: "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

3. Take small, consistent Brave Hearted steps

Please don't wait for a perfect moment, just take the next Brave Hearted step. Transformation doesn't happen overnight; it happens through faithfulness in the little things.

The Bible says in Zechariah 4:10 NLT: "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps[a] represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.)"

4. Surrender daily

Breaking old habits is not just a mental or physical task; it is also spiritual. Invite the Holy Spirit into your process daily and allow Him to strengthen you.

The Bible says in Zechariah 4:6 NLT: "Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies."

Spring Into Action Challenge

Choose one habit (to start) that you want to break and replace it with practice that draws you closer to God. Journal your progress. Share your testimony. And always remember, you do not have to be perfect, you just have to be Brave Hearted in Christ.

I hope and pray that this month's Spring Into Action has been of blessing to your lives as it has been for mine. May God continue to guide your Brave Hearted steps in the purpose and plans He has for each and every one of you.

Stay tuned for the start of the next monthly series "Brave Hearted Steppers, Expect the Suddenly, Acts 2:1-4" starting on Monday, June 2nd!

Many Blessings,

Rev. Maria Guzman

Founder of Brave Hearted Ministry