Step One...

deal with the sin in your life. You would think that would be a no-brainer. In order to follow God, of course you have to deal with the sin. To not do so is like trying to make it through the crowded airport with a backpack, a large suitcase, and a sports bag. Have you ever tried it? I have, twice. It's not fun. By the end, you wind up nearly missing your flight because you couldn't walk fast enough...but I digress. The point is, whether you realize it or not, there are parts of your life that need to be given over to God. Whether that be a bad habit that you can't seem to shake, pride, or memories of pain experienced long ago, if you don't give them to God, you will always be hindered in your capacity to follow. How in the world do you expect to learn to be who you were made to be, if you have to struggle with the simple task of walking? To continue with the luggage analogy, giving up your sin to God is like handing those heavy bags over to someone else. You now have the ability to not only walk, upright, but now you can help others that are struggling. You are freeing yourself to be used as God would use you. The hardest part is probably learning how to let go. For me, it's not the what. That was made plain to me long ago. It's the how. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man. But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able. But with the temptation, will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." Sounds good right? Now all you gotta do is recognize the way of escape that He has provided for you. It's there, and He will show it to you, you just gotta ask.