We all have had this feeling at one time or another; feeling stuck can mean being in a position, place, mindset, or in general, being stuck in life. As Rick Warren said, “Life is not all Sunshine and Roses,” this mindset is somewhat inevitable.
Feeling stuck often causes us to reevaluate ourselves, our situations, or our circumstances. And we can use the acquired insight to help move us forward. But what do we do after we have reevaluated and adjusted some things, prayed about it, waited…and waited, and nothing changes? And we are still stuck!
WHEN IT’S NO LONGER JUST A FEELING
“While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night will not cease.” (Gen. 8:22)
In the scripture above, I want to focus on the word “time.” Time can be our “stuck” part, our waiting.
During my period of being stuck, I’m learning and understanding that other than time, four other essential stages are involved: cultivation, development, illumination, and transformation. Each one is a process.
BENEFITS OF TIME
CULTIVATION:
Cultivation is necessary for the preparation and establishment of new growth. Just as you prepare seeds for planting by loosening or breaking up the soil, getting rid of weeds, etc., it is with our hearts. Our hearts can become overrun with too many of our thoughts and can become hardened. (Mark 4:14-23)
DEVELOPMENT:
Development with a plant seed is called germination, and it occurs when the seed comes out of dormancy or inactivity. But some seeds germinate (develop) best in absolute darkness (stuck place). We may not readily see the growth of what we’ve planted with our natural eye, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening. (Phil 2:13)
ILLUMINATION:
A light source is crucial for the seed’s survival after the soil around a plant seed is loosened, broken, and softened with water and its primary root and shoot have begun to grow. While in that stuck place, we must continue to seek encouragement from God’s word, which is our Light source. (Ps. 119:130)
TRANSFORMATION:
Transformation occurs when a seed sprouts and grows, changing its composition or structure. This stage marks the beginning of the manifestation of God’s word in our life as we witness movement and positive changes in our circumstances. It also has to do with adjustments in our character and our circumstances. At this stage, even the feeling of being stuck dissipates. (Ps. 1:3)
BE PATIENT – STAY FOCUSED
“For you, the Eternal’s Word is your happiness. It is your focus—from dusk to dawn.
You are like a tree planted by flowing, cool streams of water that never run dry. Your fruit ripens in its time; your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun. No matter what [we] do, [we] prosper.” (Ps.1:3)
I love sweet cherries, especially during the summer when they are plenteous. I read that timing is crucial when harvesting sweet cherries. Too early, and they will not be as sweet as they should be; if too late, they will be overly soft. It takes Sweet Cherry Trees four to seven years to fruit, but when they do, they flourish and are incredibly sweet!
That is similar to God’s desire to happen with us in being stuck, to have the best fruit, i.e., the outcome possible. Sometimes God wants us “still, in that stuck” position, NOT to be able to mess up His plan for us!
TRUST GOD and HIS PLAN
“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.” (Prov.3:5)
Over the past few months, I have been studying and meditating on this scripture more than any other. It has helped me to stay grounded in my position of trust and avoid jumping to conclusions or relying on my understanding or assumptions. Yes, I get tired of waiting when it seems like nothing is moving, or when something does, it’s not exactly what I want it to be.
Sometimes, I feel like I am waiting or stuck with no purpose. However, The Holy Spirit graciously reminds me that I am not alone and my waiting is not in vain.
Take heart; “being stuck” does not necessarily mean being inactive or unproductive!
Sometimes it’s good to be stuck!
Cultivate–Develop–Illuminate = Transformation
Thank you for journeying with me. I appreciate you, and I hope you are encouraged. God bless you!
Sincerely,
Jacqui
