Very often we feel stuck in our faith journey and don’t know how to get unstuck and start walking again. We have not thought it would take so long and would be so difficult.
We struggle with a problem or a situation for a long time, and we still don’t have a solution. It seems we are going in circles, and we don’t see the progress we want so much.
We struggle with regrets and disappointment about how things have developed in a certain area. And we have difficulties to see our path ahead. We feel stuck, discouraged and unable to make the next step.
Worse yet, we feel reluctant to come to God again with the same issue, especially when we have prayed many times about it. So how can we get unstuck and start walking again?
Step 1 to Get Unstuck – Remember to Connect
The first tiny but crucial step to get unstuck is to remember and connect again with God in prayer. God does not need information from us; He is not after facts, because He knows it all, better than we do.
What He is after is connection and communication with us. He invites us in constant communion with Him, in doing life together with Him. He is always available, and a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46)
Be sure to pin me for later!
We need to resist our tendencies to withdraw and remember to connect, again and again. Not just presenting facts to God, but pouring out our hearts, telling Him again about our longings, hopes, desires, expectations, and goals, surrendering them all again and again. We need to cry out our frustrations and disappointments and let the Holy Spirit comfort and refresh us.
We need to remember that we need God the most – more than the solution, and the progress we crave.
In every situation, we need God the most - more than the solution and the progress we crave. #encouragement #faith #trustGod Share on XStep 2 – What Do You Want God to Do for You?
Let’s go deeper and take the next step to get unstuck. Take a minute and ponder: what do you want God to do for you? Share with Him freely your longings, desires, and hopes.
Be assured that without any doubt God wants to give you, to provide for you, and to take care of you. He wants you to succeed in the fulfillment of your God-given visions, goals, and purposes. Tell Him and get ready to hear and accept His answer.
God asks this question every day. His heart longs to minister to us, to do things for us and unto us. Remember, God is the ultimate Giver. He is not the one withholding things. He wants to satisfy us with the best.
Jesus has asked on several occasions this very personal question: “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Mark 10:35-52)
Sometimes the answer is obvious, sometimes not, and sometimes we need to know that our desires come with a price as Jesus explains to James and John. (Mark 10:38) This question is not so easy to answer because it makes us re-examine our heart desires and priorities.
WHAT DO YOU WANT GOD TO DO FOR YOU?
What Only God Can Do for Us
God wants to do things for us that only He can do. These are things impossible for us and far outside our limited range of abilities. God wants to be our Rescuer, Restorer, Redeemer, Healer, Comforter, Teacher, and most of all the One Who loves us all the time.
We feel so often down, frustrated, and overwhelmed mainly because we want to have it all figured out. We want predictability, a detailed plan with clear steps on the way. Why?
Because we have this need to control, to be safe and secure, to be independent. We don’t want to walk in the fog and move in a zigzag. Detour, roadblocks, slow down? No, thanks! We don’t need these.
But God! He wants us to hang around with Him every step of the journey, that we press deeper into Him, that we figure it out together, that we pursue Him on the way.
Step 3 to Get Unstuck – Remember God‘s Promises for Guidance and Help
And last but not least, remember that God has promised us guidance and help on the way. He assures us that He will show us the path of life and that He will guide us safely and successfully on unknown paths, bringing light and making them even.
He will help us to overcome all obstacles and roadblocks on the way so we can rejoice and boast in Him! So take heart and be encouraged!
Psalm 16:11, Isaiah 26:7, Isaiah 41:3, Isaiah 41:13-15, Isaiah 42:16
Ultimately, it is not about the solutions to our problems, not about the visions and dreams we have – it is about Him.
The journey of life, all assignments, desires, and visions are primarily paths towards Him, designed and destined to mature and grow us, to lead us closer to the greatest treasure.
More Encouragement for You
If you need more resources and encouragement to boost your faith and trust in God as your keeper, protector, and provider, I highly recommend these books. Check them out.
Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings by Hadassah Treu
Forward: Discovering God’s Presence and Purpose in Your Tomorrow by David Jeremiah
Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk
Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst
Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley
Restoration Year – a 365 Days Devotional by John Eldredge
All Things New by John Eldredge
Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics by William Lane Craig
This page contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. The commission I make from these items will help keep this blog going. Thank you!
Your Turn
In which area are you currently struggling to get unstuck and move on? Where do you need to connect with God again? You are welcome to share and comment.
God longs to minister to us, to do things for us and unto us. He is the ultimate Giver who wants to satisfy us with His best. #encouragement #satisfaction #trustGod Share on XI send my newsletter “Keep the Faith” every two weeks. I share with you first the newest blog post, recommended books and articles, and the newest freebies and resources to keep the faith.
Thanks for this post. Very inspiring.
Thanks, Gina! I am happy that the post inspired you.
Great post! This is very encouraging and very well needed right now.
Thank you, Mae! I am glad that the post encouraged you.
Awesome points. I walk several days a week.
I am happy for you, Betty! I hope you don’t get stuck in your spiritual walk too.
Oops! Meant to type “the one about”, not “tips me”, although your tips are very timely and useful.
No problem! And thank you for your encouraging words!
Thanks so much for the reminder! I especially appreciate the tips me about remembering God’s promises. I often forget to do that.
Thanks, Lisa! I am happy that you appreciate this reminder! 🙂
Love your tips and this is just what I need every once in a while when I get styck.
Thanks, Ann! I am glad that you found the post helpful.
Thank you for sharing this good encouragement on how to get unstuck! I love that you put connection first. We need to connect with God and with others in the faith community to help us on our journey. Wonderful post!
Thank you for your kind words! Yes, we are made for connection and communication – vertically with God, and horizontally with each other. Authentically connecting with others makes it easier to meet needs and have our needs met.
Great post – God’s way of helping us come unstuck (and not always in the ways we want or expect Him to) always blows me away!
Thank you! So it is! God always finds a way to get us moving and growing!
Most of the time what we think we need is not necessarily what we need. I hope that makes sense. When we draw close to God, he can get us unstock and help us exactly what we need. Great post!
Thanks for commenting! Yes, it absolutely makes sense! It is so comforting to know that we can always rely on God to give us exactly what we need when we need it.