Sometimes, following Jesus is hard, really hard. It can feel like you’re running a marathon uphill with ankle weights on. And you’d rather cruise down a smoothly paved street on a skateboard.
You know what I’m talking about. There are seasons we go through. Even though you read your Bible consistently, it feels like it’s going in one ear and out the other. Granted, church has amazing worship, but your heart’s not in it. Your mind is all over the place. Yes, you love Jesus yet feel bored, tired, or even numb. And ultimately, you just feel spiritually stuck.
First, you need to remember you’re not alone. Admittedly, this happens to all of us—even to those people you don’t know about. But here’s the good news. Getting stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing. It might actually mean God is trying to do a new work in your life. Furthermore, He might want to drive you into something new!
Our emotional highs or perfect clarity shouldn’t drive our faith. Instead, we build it in quiet obedience, the not-so-pretty moments where we choose to keep showing up. Jesus didn’t call us to comfort. He called us to carry a cross. The Lord knows there will be times when things are good. Also, there will be times when things are bad.
So, if you’re feeling stuck—awesome! Seriously. It’s a sign that you’re paying attention. Put very simply, the Lord is trying to shake something up in your life. Now, here’s the challenge. You for sure need to do something about it.
Do Something
Next, don’t wait for motivation to strike. Make a move. Change up your rhythm. Instead of reading your Bible in the morning, have it during your lunch break. Try fasting from something that’s starting to take over your heart. Maybe you should serve in an area that makes you feel uncomfortable. Perhaps you could join a Small Group with people you don’t know? Call someone and pray out loud, even if it feels awkward. Open the Bible like it has power—because it does.
Finally, don’t fake it. God wants all of us. He wants us to always come to Him when we’re tired, bored, angry, happy, and frustrated. Believe me, Jesus can handle it. The Lord wants your honesty.
I was reminded of this truth when reading 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Breakthroughs usually start in the most ordinary places. God isn’t waiting for you to impress Him. In fact, He’s waiting for you to come to Him in your weakness, when you are struggling or feel stuck.
Keep at it; Jesus will be there for you and give you the grace you need to keep going.
Pressing forward even when it’s hard,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor