When You Feel Stuck (Part 2)

Click here to read part 1

Have you ever felt stuck, having accepted the past yet unable to move forward? There’s no easy way to navigate being sandwiched in between the reality of what was and the possibilities of what will be. The disappointments have settled in and became a part of a new normal. Forgiveness has been extended. And progress seems so distant. Like the winter weather in March, anticipating a warmer, sunnier spring, but stuck in the below freezing temperatures with minimal sunlight.

I’ve been there. I know it all too well.

Even when we feel powerless to change, we aren’t truly stuck. We can call upon the Lord and make wise decisions to remain obedient, no matter where we find ourselves. In my last post, we focused on how Jesus learned obedience, and when he relied on God, things changed. Things weren’t immediate, but God was always working.

When the Israelites were on their journey through the wilderness to the promised land, they found themselves in a similar situation. They had been delivered from Egypt, no longer being held captive in slavery. They were free. Yet they didn’t enter the land the Lord promised them for a while. There was a process and a journey. Each step was a move further away from comfort and familiar land. They ventured into unknown territory, which was also closer to God’s blessing and greater provision. As recorded in the book of Exodus, they wanted to trade their God-given freedom for bondage all for the sake of comfort. They felt stuck and they didn’t like it. 

“and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” - Exodus 16:3 (ESV)

The Israelites didn’t see the end. They didn’t know when they’d arrive or how they’d even make it there. They only had the promise.

They didn’t see God’s provision, but all along, he gave them what they needed to make it. Here, it was manna falling from the sky for food, in a barren desert where farming was not an option. In chapter 14, God parted the Red Sea for them to cross over, for their past of Egypt to literally be washed away. Couldn’t they see how great of a gift that was? There was no turning back into slavery. There was no more running from the Egyptians. They were stepping into a new season, into new territory, but they were missing the blessing because life wasn’t “good” according to their conceptions. It was too soon for them to truly appreciate what God had done. Sometimes it just takes time for us to see what God is doing. The Israelites wanted the promise, but they weren’t in a place to receive it. They needed to trust God, even when life didn’t look like what they would expect. They needed time to fortify their trust.

So…what do we do when we don’t see or hear God? What do we do when turning back seems better than enduring the wait in the wilderness?

First, ask yourself: 

• Am I ready to receive the blessing I am asking God for?
• Am I fully trusting God and surrendering my dream to him?

If you answered “no”, then it’s clear that God has you in this season to prepare you for that blessing. He wants to deepen your trust in him, so you fully depend on him and not the gift you are asking him for.

If you’re not sure, keep seeing God. Draw near to him and he will draw near to you (James 4:8). He will give you the clarity you need as you continue to depend on him and seek him.

Then, reflect on your habits. What needs to change to keep God at the center?

A lot of times, for me, I feel stuck because there is nothing I can physically do to change my circumstances. I feel like the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. But visible action isn’t all there is. There is so much more for us spiritually. So even when our reality looks barren, it really might not be. There’s a lot going on in the unseen. God is working on our behalf. He is always working, always moving.

Some personal examples for me would look like this:

• Instead of physically staying in the same place for too long, I move around. If I have to stay put, I praise God and worship him. I pray. I read Scripture. I do anything to glorify him.

• If I find myself scrolling online (i.e. reading through social media, shopping for things I don’t need), I redirect my attention to a Bible app, digital devotional, or prayer app. Some of these are: YouVersion, First 5, BibleHub, The 1-Minute Pause, and Abide.

• I tend to feel the most stuck when I’m alone/in isolation and when I don’t get a lot of natural light. My work often has me in an environment of both every day. So I stay connected to the Vine. If I’m lonely, I spend time with God. Maybe I encourage or check in with a friend. And when I can, I go for a walk and get some fresh air. I have a HappyLight to provide what natural sunlight normally does.

• Sometimes, the hardest part can be just getting up. God didn’t call us to live stuck in depression, stuck on the couch, stuck in bed, or stuck inside. Of course there may be circumstances in which we are and God is with you in all of them. When you get up, you declare that these things don’t have a hold on you. Continue to depend on God. Continue to release everything to him, to forgive offenses, and surrender any hurt to God. Be honest with him. God cares and he knows how stuck you feel. But he has come to set you free! Be grateful for the freedom God has given you!

Whatever it takes to gain His peace and clarity, I want it. And when I’ve got it, I know my problems are left in his hands, so mine are open to worship, to receive, and to grab hold of his promises.

I also know that overthinking and confusion are a tactic of the enemy. When I obsess over what I can’t control, it’s a form of idolatry. I put myself and my desire for control higher than God (usually unintentionally). I try to take responsibility for things I can’t and shouldn’t. So this is where I surrender it all to him. He alone is my Source.

The Israelites began to doubt God’s plan for them when they didn’t see him working. They needed to trust him further. They needed a deeper, stronger foundation before entering the promised land.

When it feels like you’re stuck, it’s a preparation space. It’s a battle ground. The enemy is trying to convince you that there’s a better way. He wants you to feel powerless. But God already has the victory…and he’s given you the power. He’s won the war for you. Don’t let your doubt stay doubt. Keep drawing near to God. He will show up in unexpected ways. Choose to worship instead of worry. Choose to praise God, even when provision doesn’t look like what you’d want. His blessing is greater. God’s plan and purpose for you exceed the circumstances of today.

Don’t dwell on the past. Keep getting up. Keep showing up, even when it’s hard. Remember where God has taken you, what he’s done for you, and know that he will continue to work all things for your good. It doesn’t have to be good right now, but one day, it will be. God is a God of new things and he is for you.

This post is part 2 of 3 of “When You Feel Stuck.” In the following post, we will continue to look at what it means to be powerful in the Lord when you feel powerless to change. Download my free resource “Guide to Getting Un-Stuck” below!

How to use this resource: 

1. When you find yourself feeling stuck, begin with identifying what is causing that feeling for you. It may be one thing or many things.

2. Weigh out your options. What does the enemy want you to do? What do you want to do? What has God called you to do or be in this situation? Has He given you any specific words to cling to recently? If you can’t figure out what your choices are, seek the Lord in prayer.

3. What are your next steps? While you can’t control your circumstances, you can control how you respond to them. Will you pray or seek out a counselor? Will you call a friend any time something triggers you? Write down your battle plan here. If you can’t figure out what your next steps are, seek the Lord in prayer.

4. Scripture: Copy down a meaningful verse or two to help you fight feeling powerless and to encourage you to keep strong in your faith.

5. Prayer: Write a prayer to God, asking for what you need at this time. Praise him for who he is and who he is to you personally.

Refer back to this guide or fill out a new one when you feel stuck. You may also want to invite a trusted friend or mentor to hold you accountable and support you.

Let me know if this resource is a blessing to you!