Stuck
The Condition
We've all been there. We think our prayers don't make it to the ceiling much less to the throne of grace. We don't enjoy reading the Bible, going to church, or Christian Fellowship. We have no energy or interest in helping others or in sharing our faith. The fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control seems out of reach, promised to someone else but not us. We sense we are going through the motions, not growing, not being challenged, and that’s ok with us, for a while. We are stuck. Part of the problem is we think we're okay, but we’re not. The heart is deceptive and so is the enemy.
The Problem
Being spiritually stuck is not a good place to be. When we are stuck we are vulnerable to temptation, loneliness, depression, unhealthy doubt, and sin. In Genesis 4:7 the LORD said to Cain, “Sin is crouching at your door and it desires to have you but you must conquer it.” Why? Sin leads to guilt, shame and ultimately death. The world, the flesh and the devil get a foothold when we're stuck. The word becomes unfruitful. There is no kingdom impact and no glory to God in our lives. The downward spiral will continue until and unless we take action. The Lord will intervene if we listen. Sometimes He whispers, sometimes He uses a two by four.
The Remedy
So once we recognize that we are stuck we must act. Here are some actions you can take to get unstuck.
Remember what it was like when your faith was vibrant and fervent. What were you doing? Who were you hanging out with? What books were you reading? Return to the Lord and to the practices you first enjoyed.
Put yourself in a position to hear from God by reading and studying the Bible. Keep a journal. Be honest with God about what you are feeling. Ask Him to help you get unstuck.
Join a group that challenges you to grow, that connects you with other people who are on the same journey. For men, the Madison Fellowship is a good group to consider.
Return to a church that teaches the Bible.
Practice spiritual disciplines like meditation, Bible study, fasting and prayer.
Being spiritually stuck is not fun and it's dangerous.
Author: Fred Grossenbach
