Motivation for Your Soul:
Whys is it so difficult to let go of the former sneakers? The stinky, messed up sneakers that provide no support or comfort. Think of your feet as the body God has given you for your soul. Instead of wearing the new Jordan’s we revert to the old. Back to the old environments we should stay away from; the old friends that bring us down; the old habits that lead us further from whom we should be?
This lesson is a powerful metaphor for spiritual transformation and the struggle of letting go of past habits, environments, and influences that no longer serve us. The analogy of old, worn-out sneakers versus new, supportive shoes beautifully illustrates the tendency to revert to what is familiar, even when it is harmful.
Why Is It So Difficult to Let Go of the “Old Sneakers”?
- Comfort in Familiarity – Even when something is bad for us, it’s familiar, making it feel safe. Change can be scary, and stepping into something new requires faith.
- Emotional Attachments – Old habits, friends, and places hold memories and emotions, making them hard to release.
- Fear of the Unknown – Walking in God’s will means trusting Him without always knowing what’s ahead, which can feel uncomfortable.
Three Tools to Avoid Reverting to Harmful Past Habits:
- Accountability & Community – Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage your spiritual growth. Find mentors, a support group, or a trusted friend to help you stay on the right path.
- Renewing Your Mind (Romans 12:2) – Spend time in prayer, scripture, and reflection. When old temptations arise, combat them with truth from God’s word.
- Purposeful Action – Replace old habits with new, healthy ones. If a past environment or relationship leads you away from God, actively seek new spaces that align with your faith and purpose.
Reflection Questions:
- What areas of your life do you keep returning to, even though they hurt you?
- What makes the “old sneakers” so comfortable for you
What does God Say:
“Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” -Matthew 9:17
If you are a new creation paid with a valuable price, why do you try to fit in things, situations and relationships that are old.
New wine could only be placed in new wine skin because during the fermenting process the animal skin would expand without breaking. Any new wine placed in old wine skin would eventually burst. In like matter God is doing a new thing in you and it’s important you surround yourself in an environment as well a family and friends that will allow you to grow and expand.