We know that all things work together for good to those who love God . . . (Romans 8:28 NKJ)
This isn’t saying that you’ve landed in a hard place for your own good. Rather, whatever your circumstances, good or bad, God is with you. He’s trustworthy and fighting for you.
Ask and it will be given to you . . . (Luke 11:9 NIV)
In Luke 11:9 Jesus, has just talked with Martha about what matters most – loving Him, learning, soaking in all that He offers. Immediately after, the disciples ask how to pray.
Only then did he say, “Ask and it shall be given.”
Right now if you feel stuck, it’s a good thing to ask for your immediate needs to be met, but would you consider beginning with asking God to show you His love, to teach you, to soak in all that He offers, right where you are?
[ctt template=”4″ link=”6R03k” via=”yes” ]5 scriptures for when you feel stuck. https://ctt.ec/6R03k+ #livefree @suzanneeller[/ctt]
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, NRSV)
Paul had learned to be content, no matter his circumstances. No matter where he was — rich or poor, hungry or fed, imprisoned or free — his relationship with God gave him strength beyond his circumstances.
No matter where you are, there is contentment that comes from the inside out. . . just for you from a God who loves you.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7
God goes before you in the hard places. Consider a triple-plated silver shield, one that covers your heart as you are helped. One that produces joy and gratitude in the midst of that hard place.
There is none holy like the LORD: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. For there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. I Samuel 2:2
Sit for a while on that Rock. Take in the scenery. Let His mighty power bring oxygen back to your lungs, and strength back to your feet. There is no Rock like your God. Hold fast to that.
Hi Suzanne, thank your encouragement today. I am in a situation where I am feeling stuck of my situation but you gave me hope to look up to the Lord and wait for miracles.
Thank you for this timely and encouraging message Suzie! Great tips on what to do while experiencing “stuck” places in our lives. Love your reminder to rest in what He’s already done.
I love it! Thanks for the encouragement. i have been stuck for a long time, but definitely not stagnant. God is working in me and in my life, and i need to be okay with where i am right now.
Suzie, thank you for your encouragement today. I currently feel stuck in a stituation that is causing me great depression and bitterness. Thank you for reminding me to thank HIm for what he has already done, and to patiently wait on His timing. 🙂
Susie, your message is perfect for me. On days when ‘old behaviors’ creep in or when I do not know yet what God wants me to do next…I’ve allowed anxiety to come in. With your message, I realized that God is working on me in my exact place. He is working on Trust and Patience.
I just started this study on the Mended Heart and in fact just watched the week 1 video. It has brought up some painful moments in my past and I expected that. Today I am having what I call a “down” day, and to top it off I spilled my whole cup of coffee. On my desk and down into my keyboard but I think it’s going to live. My past life was a mess, growing up in a dysfunctional family I married as soon as I turned 18..To who I thought was the love of my life and at the time he was. We sort of grew up together, but we both got into drugs during the 70’s, That was when I had my daughter and son. I was a hippie then and living the lifestyle. My life began to unravel a little at a time. I have tremendous guilt inside, not for the lifestyle but that my children had absolutely no stability. I’ve been married 5 times and one was extremely abusive, physically and emotionally. I stuck it out for 12 years because he said if I left him he would find me and kill me and my children, who were from my first marriage. I guess I should tell you I am 63 now, and a lot of years were spent with me supporting the family. When I realized I couldn’t depend on anyone but myself I got a career that kept us supported until the children left home. They say when you become addicted to drugs or alcohol that you stop growing emotionally, and I totally believe it. During those painful years, I would turn to God to get me through the worst moments and He carried me through them, but then life and the world would take over again. I went through that several times and He was always there for me. But now I’m married to a Christian man, a good man, but controlling. And that is hard for me to deal with sometimes. Right now I feel stagnant and I don’t have time to be that way. I am taking care of my 90 year old aunt who is in rehab and soon coming home and since I live 5 minutes away most of the duties are up to me. My brother lives on the other side of town. I know I’m rambling but I’m trying my best to get my feelings sorted out. My children are grown and have children of their own, 7 all together.They have totally forgiven me but I see how the lack of stability in their lives and not having Christ on a “steady” basis has affected they’re lives now. They aren’t stable and don’t keep jobs so they get food from a food bank and the children have medicaid. The places where they work when they can find a job don’t have any benefits. I’m blessed to have my grandchildren though. I sent Bibles to my granddaughters and now I am sending them to the boys who are really excited about it. They didn’t want one until they saw the study bibles for teens I sent the girls. They have grown up going to church and are active in the Salvation Army church in the small city they live in and I love and pray fo them all the time. But my self-esteem is nil, I feel like a loser and I’m hoping this book will start to actually mend my heart. I have done BSF for 8 years so I’ve studied the Bible quite a bit and I go to church every Sunday and I’m a member of the altar guild, a greeter and help out in the kitchen once a month. I love my friends there and the rector is so down to earth his sermons touch me just about every week. I enjoy it all very much but constantly wonder how they feel about me if they knew my past. I have a problem finding quiet time with for prayer and meditation and I know that is what I need the most. Works are good but a personal relationship is what my soul craves. I have the book now and I’m starting on chapter 2. I am the only one of my siblings that is Christian and they think I am trying to convert them and my sister-in-law won’t even speak to me. I keep trying to find out what I did and get nothing in return, I sent her an e-card last night with a long letter and I will be surprised if I even hear from her. I need to give up and just let God take care of it. I am so glad I found this book and your study. I’m taking it very seriously, like I do everything. Thanks Suzie, the book is great.
I’ve been waiting a copy of your book for several months now…I’m going though a nasty separation and just feeling plain rejected and judged by my husband. It’s not been an easy road at all but so glad God’s got me in His arms during this difficult time. Take care Kristen
This message is perfect for today. As I am healing from a painful separation and divorce, as I work full time and mother full time, as I cry more often than I would like, feel overwhelmed more than I trust, keep over relying on myself, it is good to remember that God is here in the midst and that He desperately desires complete healing. Healing is such hard work, and yet, although I have felt stuck for several years, when I look back, I marvel at the ways in which God has been growing me. Thank you for the encouraging reminder.
Psalm 46:1-2 God is my refuge and strength an ever present help in times of trouble. My favorite. I have been in a season of very difficult trials. (deaths illness financial) it seems like something worse is always around the corner. I go today with my daughter (18-unwed multiple high risk health issues) to confirm if she is pregnant. I am truly broken. Please pray for us. The praise is that God has always carried me through each event and I know He is carrying me now. I
The way you have explained being stalled versus stagnant is very well said. When I feel like there is a chasm between God and me I pray that He reveal anything that has created that chasm. It’s comforting to know that it may not be because I’ve done something wrong but to give me a moment to catch my breath and then move again.
My heart, my life, seems stuck. I live with and care for my elderly parents. My mother is bed ridden. My own health is questionable. I work full time. I have looked for strength and “pleasure” in all manner of ways and things apart from God. I am depressed and exhausted. I can not “lift myself” up. I have given it my best. This whole situation is bigger than me. I need God’s direction and strength. I am a saved person. I have accepted the Lord Jesus and am trusting him for Salvation. I have told my parents and they too have become saved. For all this I am grateful. I enjoyed your site today as I visited it for the first time.
I don’t often read Encouragement For Today, but today I did. Yes, I am stalled, stagnant, bitter, broken hearted. The words God gave you to post today are True words. I will attempt to thin onthem as I go through this day. I need a push. Thank you. I go by Mitsubachicats1 on the ‘net. >^;^<
Every morning I wake up and read a few encouraging devotionals for me to meditate on throughout the day. This morning, two of them were about seeking God’s wisdom. There have been times, especially lately, when I felt as if I had hit a plateau in my relationship with God. It has been a while since I last ‘heard’ Him, or felt a deep notion to act on something, or my prayers went unanswered. All of things, I know, are not to be reminders that God is not with me, rather that sometimes He has me right where I need to be whether I understand how or why or not. One thing that I’ve realized is that in these moments when I don’t feel God’s presence, I need to remind myself to ask for His wisdom. So much panic, stress, and worry can be cut out and replaced by peace and understanding.
Thank you for your words, for God’s words. I am certainly broken-hearted and after 27 years of asking to be healed, God is bringing me back to a place that confuses me…but I will not lean on my own understand but instead I will rest in the Lord. Joy is not living a life without heart ache but in remembering our salvation, being mindful of the Holy Spirit, and appreciating fellowship, such as in this blog. 🙂
You are so right! I didn’t realize that I was equating stagnation with being stuck. The truth is, that God has me in a waiting period, so I’m stuck but God has a plan and I will Trust Him! Thank you for your encouragement!
This devotional spoke directly to my heart this morning. Thank you Suzie! A great reminder for me to not let emotions carry me away from God’s truths, rather to be still and know that He is God.
A verse that encourages me to stop holding my breath, exhale and breathe in His goodness is Jeremiah 29:11-13. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (NIV)
Hi Suzanne, as always your blog speaks to me. Thank you for this devotional on the difference between stalled & stagnant. I have had so much anger & resentment inside.I have been trying to heal from childhood abuse wounds, co sex addiction, codependency. My husband is a sex addict who has deeply wounded not just me but also our family acting out.i know that his SA is a symptom of his internal pain of his horrible & severe childhood abuse. In many ways he is still child like. Many many years of prayers are being answered but not in the way I thought they should be.I have been striving so hard to find the lord in this dark place. & I realize that now I need healing of my own heart because as my husband does his journey & is working his recovery. My heart has become very angry & bitter. Recovery is slow with little to no transparency or much visible change in our marriage. It has been so painful & at times I feel stagnant but I know that I am moving forward slowly.Thank you for this devotion.I know my heart needs mending. But that it is ok to be stalled. I have been so angry because healing while it is happening slowly is not happening in the ways I thought it should.but I know God is in control.Thank you for the reminder to keep pushing forward.
Thanks for your encouraging read today. I read your article through the Proverbs 31 Ministries email that I receive each day. It is a wonderful way to begin my day. I also love that there are different authors highlighted each day. Your post today especially struck a chord with me. My heart has been broken and my soul has felt wounded and broken since January, when I was wronged by those I work with who are in a position of authority, in a Christian environment. That’s what makes it so hard, to be so mistreated by self-righteous people who have all the power. I know I need to forgive, but I also know The Lord does not condone the oppression put on me. I would love to read your book The Mended Heart. I pray for my heart and soul to mend every day.
It’s amazing how He has been meeting me in this “stalled” space lately. My life recently has involved lots of questions, pain, and fear– I knew I needed to turn around because the path I was heading down was not toward Him and who He’s created me to be. It’s painful and difficult work that can make you feel stuck in the mud. But Each day I find glimpses of Him in this mud pit. This morning I heard Him loud and clear through you. Thank you for allowing Him to speak through you and thus encouraging others, like myself, to strive to the same.
Thank you for this encouragement today. I have a dear friend that is going through a difficult time right now. I feel at a loss of what to do or say. Her & her husband have a lot of health issues. Their children are trying to help them but my friend thinks they want to put them in a home. I have try to encourage in that it will not happen but if they not start taking care of themselves it may happen. I believe the children want what is best for them. Please pry for this broken family.
I have been feeling more than stalled in my relationships; it seems like I really am stagnant. I don’t doubt that God has a plan, but I’m struggling to discern his wisdom. Your book seems like it would really open up my heart and eyes. Thanks for today’s message.
Thank you for this post. I have felt stuck for a little bit now waiting on the Lord for some reprieve. I have been praying and crying for some relief. Here’s to continued waiting on the Lord…
One text I always cling to is Phillipians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This has much meaning to me in my hard mental times of pain in my past. My pastor told me these verses when I asked him as a young lady what I could do to forget my pain in the past. They have helped greatly.
Thanks tor your encouragement today. I have been feeling stuck and discouraged lately. One verse I go to for help is Proverbs 3:5,6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways and He will guide you on the right paths. HCSB
One verse that I find encouraging is Habakkuk 3:19, “The Lord God is my strength; he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.”
I found your blog from a link from Encoragement for Today. I am trying to read something encouraging each day. My son has been addicted to drugs. I had no idea the amount of pain families have to deal with in having a loved one addicted to alcohol or drugs. I never would have imagined that we would have this in our family. The whole experience has humbled me and given me compassion for others struggling with this issue. I am asking God to heal me from the trauma of the experiences we have encountered so that I will not be a hinderence. I know He has a plan and I need to trust Him to work it out in His own time. Thank you for the encouragement
Thank you for these 🙂 I’ve always looked to Proverbs 3:5-6 when I feel stuck: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
I have found myself stalled in the past rather than living in the present and looking forward to the future that the Lord has for me. When thoughts of the past come into my mind I recite Isaiah 43:18-19 Do not call to mind the former things or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it will spring forth. Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
Thank you Suzie, my verse has been from Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”. When I find myself in a place that doesn’t make me feel good that verse tends to stand out, then I know that I am trying to do things in my own strength and not in Him. Being intentional about actually stopping and letting Him take over is never easy but the rewards are amazing. Thank you for you blog, it has inspired me.
I have been stuck for years. I lost my Sister, Dad and almost lost my Daughter in consective order. My Sister in a violent Car accident Nov. 7 1986, Dad Oct 31, 1987, my daughter was born two months early Dec 23, 1986. As years went on I dealed with this, but really never getting over my Sister’s loss. Since we got into a Sister arguement and I never got to say I was sorry. I love her very much. And then I got my heart brokent by an X Boyfriend, 30-10 years later I realized it was the best thing for me. I met what I though was a Wonderful man, dated him for a year and we got married. My Step Dad and Mom were both not doing well, health wise. I got married May 22, 2004. My mothers birthday was May 23rd a good time to get everyone together…. right., It was great, I told my step father that he was the Best man in the world and that, I thought they broke the mold, after him. But, I found one more. My Husband Harold, I truly did not mean to make everyone in the hall cry. But, we all did, men and women. August 15, 2004, by stepdad was taken from us, not too long after that my nephew was killed in a vehicle accident. But, the Heart Breaker again… was the Passing of my MOM. She missed my POP so much and Dialysis was just making her tired and sick. I am the baby, and my MOM is an Angel to me and always will be. She would not pass in front of me and I would not leave her side. But, I left for a few minutes to go get clean clothes, I promised I would right back…. i got to the Corner by her house and my sister called me and she had passed. I could not go back. Two weeks after that I went with my new Husband to have an angiogram, they wisked him away by ambulance on a Friday, to have open heart surgery on Monday. All I could do is cry… He doesn;t understand. He thinks I was not there for him, but all I could do was cry. The Dr. told me to go home and rest, or I would be not help to him. He blames me for not being there every waking minute. But I was there more then he will ever know. My husband and I have been at odds for years. I have turned to depression, medication, and alcohol… It is not the answer to any of this. I was told that he Loves me, but is not in love with me. We are still married but, he is in one room, me still in our room. I am fighting Depression, and with the GRACE of God and many, many people praying. I hope one day I can find peace. I have two daughters, three grandchildren. 1 steph daughter, who is getting ready to have her first baby. I am very happy for my Husband, he is very excited. God bless us, and know that I love my family, each and everyone of them.
I came over from Encouragement for Today. The verse that came to mind when you asked us to share one that helps when we are stuck is: “ahh Lord God, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by zthy great power and by thine outstretched hand; NOTHING IS TO DIFFICULT forThee” I needed your reminder today that i’m not stagnant. The pain i’ve experienced with my teenaged son and his unholy choices is heartbreaking. I needed the reminder that I am just stalled, because it feels like I have to remind my self to breathe some days. My circumstances look very bad, but I have to keep walking by faith that Gods promises are true. I need prayer support.
Thank you so much for your words! As I was praying this morning, I told God that I felt stuck and didn’t know how to pray about a certain situation in my life. He always answers! In addition to your blog, He gave me these verses: “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36)
I will read the scriptures right after work. I will do anything. I need to find myself and get my self esteem back and be Happy. I have broken down, partially my fault for letting it happen, but some of us are not as strong as others. I want my Marriage to work, but I put it in the hands of God. He knows everything that has gone on, and he is in control.
Thank u for such restoring spiritual nourishment. I am so tired. I have spent more than forty years as primary caregiver for parents, siblings, primary trouble shooter for close relatives/friends,incuding addiction, alzheimer,schizophrenia,Barnasbas/Encourager/Support system for family, friends, church members,grief group support leader, case manager/thearpist for children, families, and adults, crisis interventionist and more. Many times well intended good deeds were rejected, highly bashed and even with bullying beat downs. I became broken. I am using my faith, daily reading( found you) to release and restore.I am quiet now, breathing while stalled & realized, I didn’t do a good job of self~care. God istill in control & will meet my needs!
Suzie, As i read the messages left above my heart and prayers go out to these women. I read of their pain, suffering, uncertainty, and can see myself in some of their messages. I am at a point in my life that I can look back and all the I have been through as a child that was sexually abuse, marrying her high school sweatheart, having a son in high school and yet graduating in three years. Going on to having a daughter and following her husband where ever the military took us to returning home and questioning our marriage that ended in divorce. During that time I was ready to walk away from my husband, childern, and all that we had because I had buried so much and I could no longer deal with the pain and anger. Yes, we did divorce, but I found the strength in God to not walk out the door and never look back. I found an amazing church that begin to show me that not only was I worthy of God’s love, but that no matter all that I had been through He had never left me. I found the encouragement to step out of myself and do something I have always wanted to do even at the age most peolpe would never had believe they could not only become part of something bigger then themselves and give back by joining the US Air Force, but I did trusting in God. Now almost seveteen years later I have found that by trusting God he has blessed me in so many ways that I never imagined. Yes, there have been ups and downs, heartache when I opened myself to love again, joy in the birth of my grandson, blessed to see my son become an amazing husband and father. Amazed at my beautiful daughter that I almost lost when I was pregnant not only follow her dreams for the career she has, but recently see her marry an amazing guy. Yes, there have been hard times, but each time that I find myself facing them, when I put my trust into God he may not answer at that moment, but I know he is watching over me as his word says in Jerimah 29:11 and I find my peace to face any challenge that comes my way. Even through the darkest periods God is with us, he may not answer us right then and there, but trusting in him will give you the ability to never give up.
Searching for my new purpose in life – a focus – stuck – not knowing which way to go. Good word. Great book! Would love to share it with a hurting friend.
Your posts are always so helpful to me. Thank you! I have a friend whose husband has left her for another woman and has given her no hope for a reconciliation. He also will not file for divorce because he doesn’t want to bother with the process, so she is stuck in a terrible limbo right now with her two kids. Her heart is broken as are her children’s. I think that your book would help her tremendously. I also ask for prayers for her and her children, for God’s grace, comfort, strength, and endless love to wash over them and give them hope for the future.thank you, Suzie, for sharing your incredible faith. It inspires me!
I needed this today! I just finished reading my bible this morning, opened up my email…and see Are you stuck? That’s exactly how i feel right now in my life. Thanks for the scriptures of encouragement.
Reading your devo over at Proverbs 31 hit me like a brick this morning. Our son was recently molested and I have totally felt stuck..not knowing how to move on or let go. You encouraged my heart this morning and I am grateful. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of your book!
As always God gives us what we need when we need it. I have been praying for a friend that almost lost her life due to drugs last week and I have felt I needed to pray differently so I have decided to pray for her to be receptive of God’s call and not the call of chemicals. Thank you for the encouragement.
Thanks Suzie, This is something that I wrote working through my anger when someone hurt me deeply. I was even angry with God for allowing it all to happen, shattering my dreams. Afterall He knows the outcome of every situation. I made a choice to trust God and I still wait to see what He plans to do with my life. It is a continuing journey that I take one day at a time. I had to dig into the scriptures repeatedly as a constant reminder of God’s promises to reasure myself. At the time I wanted to “Lash Out” but made the choice to try it God’s way: Lashing out K’s devotional moment Have you ever been deeply hurt by someone you trusted and loved? Do you still wrestle with the need to ask why? Are you still dealing with the painful loss? Do you desire to lash out at them? Then do it! Do it with the most powerful weapons you possess; God’s mighty weapons.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 I use God’s mighty weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s stronghold. These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding him. With these weapons I can capture rebels and bring them back to God, and change them into men whose hearts’ desire is obedience to Christ.
Often times we want to lash out and hurt that person as we feel they have hurt us. You may even be justified in doing so but what would Jesus do? What did he do? He laid down his life for you and the person who wronged you. The word of God calls us to pray for our enemies. Can you not pray for someone you love even though you have become the victim of their poor choices? Jesus knows exactly how you feel. He was betrayed by one of his disciples he considered a brother. He never lashed out at anyone. Jesus prayed and left it to God. Don’t get in God’s way. If someone needs to be repaid for their wrong doing, He will take care of it.
Romans 12:19-21 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.
Your greatest weapons are prayer, love, faith, hope, God’s word, and the Holy Spirit. Nothing can break down barriers like God’s weapons. Only God can change them so, call on God to utilize the ultimate power. You do your part and God will take care of the rest. The first part is to lash out in prayer for them and seek answers in God’s word. Work through your anger with God. He will help you find peace. Would you accept the person back into your life if you knew their hearts were changed? How will you know they have changed? The second part is to lash out with faith; faith that God will help you to know as you start over with the relationship; rebuilding it in a way that Glorifies God. The third part is to lash out with the Holy Spirit; allowing the Holy Spirit to help you communicate lovingly, positively and honestly. The Holy Spirit will also help you discern if/how this relationship needs to be in your life. Either way, there is no room for hatred. Again, you do your part and leave the rest to God. What if they never come back? They may not but, rest assured that God will use the entire experience for your good. He has promised so.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Having been through such an event in my life the outcome so far has been a deepened relationship with God and some very special friends that are still with me on the journey of healing. Stand by for the rest of the story. It involves patience and blessings.
Anonymous, it sounds like you and I have had similar experiences. Thank you for your wise words. They remind me that it is not my place to bestow vengeance for the intense abuse and soul pain that was inflicted on me and to pray for those who inflicted that pain instead of feeling victimized and bitter. I needed this today. Blessings to you!
This was something I wrote during a tough time in my life a couple of years ago when someone I love deeply hurt me deeply. I experinced anger, pain, anxiety for that person and God. Afterall God knows the outcome of every situation. However, I chose to trust God with all of it. I dug into scriptures like never before for constant reasurance that God loved me, was with me and that God would take care of the things that needed to be taken care of including me. I wanted to “Lash Out” and I chose to do it God’s way. We will always be a working progress and new chalenges will come our way. Each time makes us stronger in Christ if we give Him the reigns. Lashing out K’s devotional moment Have you ever been deeply hurt by someone you trusted and loved? Do you still wrestle with the need to ask why? Are you still dealing with the painful loss? Do you desire to lash out at them? Then do it! Do it with the most powerful weapons you possess; God’s mighty weapons.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 I use God’s mighty weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s stronghold. These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding him. With these weapons I can capture rebels and bring them back to God, and change them into men whose hearts’ desire is obedience to Christ.
Often times we want to lash out and hurt that person as we feel they have hurt us. You may even be justified in doing so but what would Jesus do? What did he do? He laid down his life for you and the person who wronged you. The word of God calls us to pray for our enemies. Can you not pray for someone you love even though you have become the victim of their poor choices? Jesus knows exactly how you feel. He was betrayed by one of his disciples he considered a brother. He never lashed out at anyone. Jesus prayed and left it to God. Don’t get in God’s way. If someone needs to be repaid for their wrong doing, He will take care of it.
Romans 12:19-21 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.
Your greatest weapons are prayer, love, faith, hope, God’s word, and the Holy Spirit. Nothing can break down barriers like God’s weapons. Only God can change them so, call on God to utilize the ultimate power. You do your part and God will take care of the rest. The first part is to lash out in prayer for them and seek answers in God’s word. Work through your anger with God. He will help you find peace. Would you accept the person back into your life if you knew their hearts were changed? How will you know they have changed? The second part is to lash out with faith; faith that God will help you to know as you start over with the relationship; rebuilding it in a way that Glorifies God. The third part is to lash out with the Holy Spirit; allowing the Holy Spirit to help you communicate lovingly, positively and honestly. The Holy Spirit will also help you discern if/how this relationship needs to be in your life. Either way, there is no room for hatred. Again, you do your part and leave the rest to God. What if they never come back? They may not but, rest assured that God will use the entire experience for your good. He has promised so.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Having been through such an event in my life the outcome so far has been a deepened relationship with God and some very special friends that are still with me on the journey of healing. Stand by for the rest of the story. It involves patience and blessings.
Your message always hits me at the right time. I had some bad anxiety last year and the past few weeks have been on edge almost waiting for it to come back. I know I am strengthened through the Lord and the suit of armour.
This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you! My marriage is struggling and I feel broken and defeated. Only God knows what we really need and the changes that need to take place. I need healing, help feeling secure, and loved.
I had to have a hysterectomy the end of May due to adhesions, enlarged uterus and adenomyosis. I have not recovered well at all. The surgery triggered severe PTSD and then a deep, deep depression set in. Since the surgery I have been stuck. Some of it is hormonal but all of a sudden I don’t know who I am, what I am, or what’s wrong with me. The only thing I do know is that I am His. But when your stuck in sinking sand and you can longer feel anything, it is easy to lose track of that. I can’t pray but I can raise my arms to be held and He does go before us. Thanks for the encouraging words this morning. Still stuck, but I’ve got my hands raised high! Bonnie
I already own the Mended Heart Book and was working really hard on healing a lot of past hurts. then, we said we would do a “couples Study” What Did you Expect? I had make a choice between to be able to do the daily reading and homework.
I will go back to the Mended Heart as soon as we finish the couples study. I was really starting to feel better about some things from my past. I know I must deal with them all in order to grow closer to God and once an for all let the past go. I will do that asap. Thanks, for the Study and the Blessings I was getting. I promise to return to the study as soon as the couples on is finished. I need to once and for all get healed. I am certainly a broken pot that has leaks as you so aptly described in your book.
Thanks for your honesty and encouragement to me and others. Mary Kaiser
I really needed this encouragement today! I have been struggling w/many things, feeling “stagnant” is definitely one of them. My marriage is a mess & seems like it is irreparable & I just feel like giving up! I know all things are possible with God but tend to not really trust or believe in that as I should. Prayers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to Lysa TerKeurst for sharing your devotion today!
Suzie, your “Encouragement for Today” was just what my heart needed. I start my mornings reading “Jesus Calling” and the Scriptures tied to it. I have had a couple days of feeling a little bit farther from God than I have been used to for weeks. And unsure what that is. Thank you for the encouraging words to continue to sit in the quiet, commune with God and know that a little bit of stall is just that, a little bit…and how easy it can be to renew and deepen my faith and relationship with Christ Jesus.
Hi Suzie, I just love your ministry. I have a deep desire to do what you do, extend a life line to Jesus for the many hurting and bleeding women in need of Jesus’ healing touch. I so admire you Suzie and please know what an impact your outreach of love, concern and teaching has on this planet.
My heart even though filled with Jesus is still in need of healing. I sometimes think I will remain broken until I get to Heaven. Broken in body and spirit. I love Jesus with all my heart and seek to serve Him and draw others to Him. I love you, I pray for you and ask for God’s Great Blessings be bestowed on you and yours.
I am going to take a couple of the Scriptures in this post and hang them where not only I can seem them but my family as well. I want my young girls to learn to depend on Him! Thanks you for the motivating words!
Hello there and thank you for what you wrote and what I read!! I am thanking God for bringing me to the Proverbs 31 site which led me to you and to ALL the AMAZING women that share in this!! I am so in love with how the Proverbs 31 site has grabbed a hold of my attention and then I want to read, learn, know more because of your writings and Julie’s writings!! Today really hit home because I turned my back and walked away from my Lord and I stayed away for many years. I have come back and it took my beautiful mother to pass away to bring me back to the Lord!! Amen!! I do not know everything, I cannot quote from the Bible but I know He is the ONLY WAY, THE ONLY ONE who could have brought me out of the darkness I was in!! And through my sweet sweet Angel, my mother, He was the lighthouse that led me back!! I am forever grateful. I live with an attitude of gratitude!! Grief still takes over and I feel so lost, sorrow, guilt, despair, loneliness and it’s been 6 years since my mommy flew home to Heaven. My battles are not yet over, but through and with God, I can do anything!! In Jesus name I pray!! Thank you and God Bless You!! You make my heart smile!!
Thanks for your encouragement today. After reading your devotions today I was able to put into words how I’m feeling right now, and that is STUCK! I also realized that it is not a wasted time, not meaningless, not a time to be in despair, but a time to hold onto God and wait for Him to give me direction. To wait for Him and not make just any decision as if it’s all meaningless right now anyway. He has a purpose for this too.
I’ve been stuck on this journey of life for the past 10 years, spinning my wheels not knowing what to do or where to turn. My heart and feelings are numb to the point of not feeling. Please keep me in your prayers.
Dear Cheryl, I read your post and I want you to know, I just prayed for you. I prayed lifting you up to God our Heavenly Father, asking him to touch you, hold you and reveal Himself to you. I can empathize with your pain even though I do not know your circumstances. I was in a 10 year trial of my own and I know that feeling you describe. Ten years is a very long time. May God Bless you in some way. Diane
Cheryl, I have just prayed for you and have asked God to reveal himself to you in a way that you can not mistake His presence. Please do take a moment to re-read the uplifting scriptures from Suzie’s blog and others who have posted today. Above all, remember that you are precious to God and He is longing for you to call on Him.
Suzie, your devotion and this post were meant for me today…wished I had read it this morning before all **** broke loose but after reading it again, I think that it is much more encouraging in the aftermath! I would love to read your book! My favorite Scripture verse when I am feeling scared, anxious, sad or just plain overwhelmed is Isaiah 41:10. It is the very first verse I ever committed to memory! “So do not fear [be afraid or anxious], for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my [victorious] righteous right hand.” God bless!
Dear Suzie, I too wish I had read your message earlier today. I have been going through a series of challenging times and feeling somewhat disconnected. Thank you for your insight and comforting words regarding being stalled versus not moving. Two scriptures that I have posted on my corkboard are: “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with rejoicing Job 8:21 – this one in particular got me through some very dark days. “Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; with deepest awe I will worship at your temple. Lead me in the right path, O Lord or my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do and show me which way to turn Psalm 5:7-8
So many hurting souls here that need the spiritual nourishment you give. I am one of those souls. Thank you so very much. May our Heavenly Father bless you for the healing you are doing in His name.
Thank you Suzie. I intuitively knew the difference between stalled and disconnected and what happened was I was feeling that God’s word was not empowering me because I still didn’t feel victory over a satanic influence at work. Then my doctor(!) said words is encouragement that helped and I turned the pessimism corner abruptly. To me that meant I was stalled but not disconnected. I turned firmly. Then my scripture…many yours from your Proverbs 31 Devo and this blog had much more power. Thanks for clarifying this. Now I have subscribed to your blog. What a blessing you are! Praising God for you!
My husband and I moved 700 miles away from family last year to work with a ministry. Unexpectedly the positions lasted only 1 year and we have been in that stalled place for 3 months now, between jobs, wondering, asking, what’s next Lord. It is truly a hard place to be. I appreciated reading your devotional. It was a great reminder that God is still in control, even if I don’t see the whole plan! God bless you and continue to use you to reach others.
I have four kids. I was a home schooling mom, then I went back to college while the girls were finishing up high school, so they could take college classes for high school credit. My younger daughter calls herself a “super senior”, but she is only 19 and starting her senior year of college. She started her first college class two months before she turned 16. Now I have two daughters that are seniors in university, a son who is a firefighter, and a daughter who is a bus driver/mechanic. It is time for me to get a real job and start a new life for myself. I fell like I have been in the “Hallway of Life”, holding doors open for my kids. I know God will open a door for me soon…meanwhile, I am trying to dwell on the present and enjoy the moment in HIS grace.
Thanks again Suzie for a timely devotion. I’m hanging onto Romans 8:28 – I really feel stuck right now and need some answers. I know my God is Faithful just this place is so hard and feeling alone in it. Feel like everywhere I turn are problems, marriage, family, CHURCH – Soaking in His presence today. Blessings.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I often forward your posts to my sister who began her faith walk with Christ just a year ago. Would love to win a copy of your book for her (though I must confess that I would ask to borrow it as soon as she read it). Your message about being stalled vs. being stuck has already been forwarded to her – so appropriate for the place she is right now. Thank you again for your loyalty to serving our King.
WoW! I stumbled on your web page coming through several different sites and ending up here. Thank you so much for what you have shared. I am 61 years old the year and going through a divorce after 38 years of marriage. My life is changing in so many ways I cannot keep up! Right now my life is like the ocean waves that are getting larger and larger and they do not stop. There are moments when I have to stop and catch my breath, literally, but still the waves do not stop. Jesus is my Savior, though, and he is always by my side. He comes to me as I reach for him! Thank you for the reminders.
Amen. I know how you feel. Anxiety is not good for anyone. Even when you try to brush it off. I am praying for all of us that suffer from Anxiety and Depression, may the Lord bless us all and take this awful pain away from us. Once and for all.
I ask this in Jesus name. For he has the power to heal. We just need to trust and believe. Which for us, it is not easy. But, we cannot lean on our own understanding. Right? I for one must trust in God, for the decisions I have made in the past, have not always been the right ones. And I suffer daily from them.
I am praying for God to come into my life and show me the way he wants me to go. If he has and I missed his message, WHY? How do I know when he is trying to communicate with me? Am I missing something. Everyone say’s it’s time to leave my husband. God has already shown me that message? I missed it. I do not feel it in my Heart, and I keep hoping for the best. Am I blind? Please help me to understand. I love my husband, and I am not perfect. Turning to alcohol to not feel pain. Lord hear my cries and help me.
I love your scriptures, Suzie, especially the Psalm 28 verse.
My favorite “go to” verse is Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Hi thank you for sharing. I am in a marriage of 25 years which is going nowhere but apart and affecting my children especially my younger daughter so much she has taken on my sad feelings and is a sad girl I pray for God to work a miracle please in our lives or probably I am not praying enough as most of the time I am just stuck and exhausted.
I have been in your position, Crystal, except my marriage is a 36 year marriage. I felt for the past 18 months that I should leave my husband and move on after his two affairs and emotional abuse of me for asking questions about the affairs. He showed no empathy, offered no apologies, would not answer my questions, blamed me for his affairs. I actually separated from him for 10 months due to the abuse. I grew in my faith during this time and felt that maybe God was working on both of us during that break but had so much trouble with forgiveness. I was seriously stuck and on the verge of just giving up and filing for divorce. Last week, I had to move out of the little house I lived in and move back home. It was hard to do and I cried the whole time. I didn’t want to go. But I decided at that time to let go and hand it over to God. I have only been home a few days, but I feel like God was giving me a push in the right direction. Things are so much better between my husband and me, and my husband has been working on himself through therapy. I am beginning to have hope and I feel that I am where God wants me to be. I am not advocating separation, just handing it all over to God and continued prayer and faith. He will direct your path. He always answers and it is always for our good, no matter what that answer might be. I am lifting you up in prayer, my friend.
An update to the above post: it has been 18 months since I moved home and felt that God sent me to reconcile with my husband. 3 weeks after I moved home, I discovered the affairs had continued the entire time we had been separated and that he had lied for a span of 20 years–his relationship with his affair partner had not only been deeply emotional but physical as well. I was shattered and wondered why God would send me back to an abuser and cheater who had basically made the majority of our marriage a giant lie and who had now destroyed the purity and trust of a 37 year marriage. I am still stuck, wondering what God is doing here and also wondering if I missed what He is trying to tell me to do. My husband seems to be out of his affair fog and is trying to work on himself and the marriage and even says he wants and loves me, but his actions do knot show what his words are saying…is God telling me to stick it out and try again to reconcile or to stop being a dummy and get out of a relationship I should left decades ago when the emotional abuse started? I can’t seem to get clarity on what God wants from me , so I continue to wait and pray….
Please seek the help of a Christian counselor (licensed). Go whether your husband will attend with you or not. You are asking really important questions and sometimes we just need a safe place to ask them and sort through our response. I pray today that God will lead you to the right person. I also pray for the powerful help of the Holy Spirit, our ultimate Counselor, on your behalf.
I GOOGLED ‘Gods Word when you feel stuck’, because that’s where I am. I went to one site and couldn’t get through then I came to yours which opened up to your very pleasant face and a smile then all of these posts with women opening up and pouring out their hearts. I thank God for this media and for your website Thank you for those words and reading from all the others remind us that there is nothing new under the sun/Son. I have experienced emotional abuse, infidelity, raising to young girls on my own who are now beautiful young women, financial struggles and now helping an adult daughter who is also going through separation toward divorce with two daughters of her own. Carrying the finances and being there for everyone has got me stuck and it’s becoming overwhelming. People don’t see that though they see my smiling face and in the moment I’m interacting with others I am sincere, but back in the quiet of my private space I feel the weight of the world and your words of encouragement remind me that I am NOT alone and I pray to God will help me put one foot in front of the other to do what I need to do to get out of this download spiral of financial burden.
I actually just googled “scriptures on feeling stuck” . I was also actually just sitting on a rock today in a state park of “Elephant Rocks”. I left town for a few hours to get away. To think and mediate out in nature and to ask questions. I have been writing a book and I’m feeling like I’m stuck. I want to proceed but doubt fills my mind. I left to clear my head and to try to refuel myself. I have been in a process of “healing my broken places.” but I’ve found myself slipping on a slope of a big rock and have found myself wedged in. Stuck. Not in the pit I was in before just a tight spot. God is still working it out.
It is just difficult plain and simple to wait. Laying aside my feelings of confusion, hopelessness, stress, Well that is difficult. Life seems to have an endless supply of mortar rounds to hurl at me as if waiting isn’t hard enough. Even the simplist of things can send me spiriiling downward into despair when they piled one upon the next. Well God does not see things the way I do, He does not even see me the way I do. Thank goodness!!!! In His eyes it has all been taken care of. The Creator of the Universe loves me and I AM HIS adopted daughter. Even when I don’t feel I deserve it, even when things do not go the way I planned, even when I feel lost, He is still loving me. Through Jesus He sees me as righteous now. Wow! What great and unimaginable things have already been done for me! If my loving father is The King then He will surely guide me when I seek his council and CHOOSE to trust in Him. Even while I wait there are already things God has set before me to do so I seek him to do them better and press on knowing. Verse : Heb 12: 1-3 HCSB (because it says not grow weary and loose heart) how beautiful. Jeremiah 29:11 God bless all you lovely women of God and I thank you also.
Feelings of stagnancy comes and goes, but when remains it really squeezes the heart and nearly takes me to the verge of a wrong juncture , but by divine grace a small voice inside says to me ” don’t worry ” and a sudden calmness like a wind cools my troubled heart , and later I see how God is turning my Troubled Heart into a Heart full of Rejoice. You gave some amazing insights through scriptures which I appreciate, but whenever i am feeling low I might not remember the complete scripture but I can hold onto that little but Divine Voice o f GOD that says to my Heart “Don’t Worry” and that settles it …
I have “Philippians 4:6″ tattooed on my wrist Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving present your requests to God.” I love this verse.
Today my dog got stuck in some covers and couldn’t get out, she barked and I came to help her out. I thought about the Lord, when your stuck in life just call on the master and He will be there. I was looking for a scripture to correspond and your site came up. Thank you.
I am feeling stuck in life, I feel my motivation has left me. I want to do God will and reach out to others but something is clouding my vision. I am directing my attention back on God even though I do pray and study the word everyday. I don’t understand this rutt I keep finding myself in. I want to get rid of all that is holding me back and step out in faith and do this!! Accomplish things!!! I want to be like the man in Matthew 25: 14-30 God gave 5 bags of gold to and he faithfully invested it and brought back dbl the amount. Do well with what you have and more will be given to you. Please pray for me and thank you for these uplifting Scriptures.
I’m going threw so much ashamed guilt loneliness and im feeling out place I feel like I always hit a brick wall I read the scripture you added on your page I love it
This morning I felt like I had just hit a brick wall….stuck and not knowing how to get out. I googled scriptures to read in moments like this. Thank you for the lifting especially about “bringing oxygen back into the lungs”. Breathe…is what I tell myself as I trust God to work the situation out.
I am so glad that I found this site. I felt as if I was the only one going through turmoil. When I start reading the comments I felt sympathy for alot of you. I do not feel as alone as I had been knowing I am not the only one who goes through. I have been going through trials and tribulations since 2006. It seemed as soon as I left the sin world and gave my life to Christ is when I start going through all of these trials. I have prayed and cried, asking God to forgive me of my sins. I haven’t given up, I will continue to keep holding on to Gods unchanging hand. I believe that He is working in me right now and it is a matter of time before He will reveal to me what my purpose is on this earth. I have made note of alot of the scripture that you ladies have quoted and will be sure to use them in my everyday readings. I pray for God to give us the peace, joy, blessings and answers that we each were directed to this sight for. Amen
I am the mom of a 23 yr old disabled son. I love him with every ounce of my hesrt and soul. I have accepted that he is my life and future and have committed to this. However, I am feeling ” stuck” because there is no free time. I can only work 4 hrs per day and must go straught home. No family or help. Thus is our daily life and I”ve adjusted. The truly awful thing is this ” resentment/guilt” cycle that I am constantly in. It is draining me emotionally and mentally. I resent him for as much time he needs from me then turn right around and feel immensly guilry as I know it is not his fault. I love him so much and cannot imagine my life without him as he does bring so much joy. But I find myself longing for solitude. I am so conflicted and do not see a light at the end of the tunnel. This is our life… Forever. I pray daily for strenghth and acceptance of our life situation but regretfully cant always find peace. I try very hard to live one day at a time but still feel overwhelmed. I need to know how to trust in God and let go but just cant seem to get there. Just now starting to research scriptures as I am realizing that I cannot do this by myself.
Lord, show Cindy a way to have some fill-up time. If there are places or people that can give respite from time to time, lead her to it. Give her the freedom to say yes to that help. Fill her up supernaturally, Lord, as she seeks that help. Thank you for this beautiful son, and for a mama who pours into him.
Wow! As I reading this my spirit could feel your pain. I want you to know that God sees and feels your pain too and HE is going to help you through this. I want you to go to a local church, get prayer and speak you someone in the church about your situates. There are people out here that will sit with your son and do right by him. I’m praying for you!
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Hi Suzanne, thank your encouragement today. I am in a situation where I am feeling stuck of my situation but you gave me hope to look up to the Lord and wait for miracles.
Thank you for this timely and encouraging message Suzie! Great tips on what to do while experiencing “stuck” places in our lives. Love your reminder to rest in what He’s already done.
I love it! Thanks for the encouragement. i have been stuck for a long time, but definitely not stagnant. God is working in me and in my life, and i need to be okay with where i am right now.
Suzie, thank you for your encouragement today. I currently feel stuck in a stituation that is causing me great depression and bitterness. Thank you for reminding me to thank HIm for what he has already done, and to patiently wait on His timing. 🙂
Susie, your message is perfect for me. On days when ‘old behaviors’ creep in or when I do not know yet what God wants me to do next…I’ve allowed anxiety to come in. With your message, I realized that God is working on me in my exact place. He is working on Trust and Patience.
Thank you for your message it is very perfect for me.
I just started this study on the Mended Heart and in fact just watched the week 1 video. It has brought up some painful moments in my past and I expected that. Today I am having what I call a “down” day, and to top it off I spilled my whole cup of coffee. On my desk and down into my keyboard but I think it’s going to live. My past life was a mess, growing up in a dysfunctional family I married as soon as I turned 18..To who I thought was the love of my life and at the time he was. We sort of grew up together, but we both got into drugs during the 70’s, That was when I had my daughter and son. I was a hippie then and living the lifestyle. My life began to unravel a little at a time. I have tremendous guilt inside, not for the lifestyle but that my children had absolutely no stability. I’ve been married 5 times and one was extremely abusive, physically and emotionally. I stuck it out for 12 years because he said if I left him he would find me and kill me and my children, who were from my first marriage. I guess I should tell you I am 63 now, and a lot of years were spent with me supporting the family. When I realized I couldn’t depend on anyone but myself I got a career that kept us supported until the children left home. They say when you become addicted to drugs or alcohol that you stop growing emotionally, and I totally believe it. During those painful years, I would turn to God to get me through the worst moments and He carried me through them, but then life and the world would take over again. I went through that several times and He was always there for me. But now I’m married to a Christian man, a good man, but controlling. And that is hard for me to deal with sometimes. Right now I feel stagnant and I don’t have time to be that way. I am taking care of my 90 year old aunt who is in rehab and soon coming home and since I live 5 minutes away most of the duties are up to me. My brother lives on the other side of town. I know I’m rambling but I’m trying my best to get my feelings sorted out. My children are grown and have children of their own, 7 all together.They have totally forgiven me but I see how the lack of stability in their lives and not having Christ on a “steady” basis has affected they’re lives now. They aren’t stable and don’t keep jobs so they get food from a food bank and the children have medicaid. The places where they work when they can find a job don’t have any benefits. I’m blessed to have my grandchildren though. I sent Bibles to my granddaughters and now I am sending them to the boys who are really excited about it. They didn’t want one until they saw the study bibles for teens I sent the girls. They have grown up going to church and are active in the Salvation Army church in the small city they live in and I love and pray fo them all the time. But my self-esteem is nil, I feel like a loser and I’m hoping this book will start to actually mend my heart. I have done BSF for 8 years so I’ve studied the Bible quite a bit and I go to church every Sunday and I’m a member of the altar guild, a greeter and help out in the kitchen once a month. I love my friends there and the rector is so down to earth his sermons touch me just about every week. I enjoy it all very much but constantly wonder how they feel about me if they knew my past. I have a problem finding quiet time with for prayer and meditation and I know that is what I need the most. Works are good but a personal relationship is what my soul craves. I have the book now and I’m starting on chapter 2. I am the only one of my siblings that is Christian and they think I am trying to convert them and my sister-in-law won’t even speak to me. I keep trying to find out what I did and get nothing in return, I sent her an e-card last night with a long letter and I will be surprised if I even hear from her. I need to give up and just let God take care of it. I am so glad I found this book and your study. I’m taking it very seriously, like I do everything. Thanks Suzie, the book is great.
In the first chapter, The Mended Heart shares the three things we don’t have to do. That’s going to be your foundation for healing. https://tsuzanneeller.com/2014/03/14/your-mendedheartchallenge/
There will be plenty of things you can do, with God’s help. But for now, let those three things soak in:
You don’t have to earn God’s love.
You don’t have to run anymore.
You don’t have to do this alone.
You
I’ve been waiting a copy of your book for several months now…I’m going though a nasty separation and just feeling plain rejected and judged by my husband. It’s not been an easy road at all but so glad God’s got me in His arms during this difficult time. Take care Kristen
This message is perfect for today. As I am healing from a painful separation and divorce, as I work full time and mother full time, as I cry more often than I would like, feel overwhelmed more than I trust, keep over relying on myself, it is good to remember that God is here in the midst and that He desperately desires complete healing. Healing is such hard work, and yet, although I have felt stuck for several years, when I look back, I marvel at the ways in which God has been growing me. Thank you for the encouraging reminder.
In he middle of a very messy divorce from an unfaithful husband (who was also a pastor)….
Please, Lord, heal my broken heart and my sweet children.
Psalm 46:1-2 God is my refuge and strength an ever present help in times of trouble. My favorite.
I have been in a season of very difficult trials. (deaths illness financial) it seems like something worse is always around the corner. I go today with my daughter (18-unwed multiple high risk health issues) to confirm if she is pregnant. I am truly broken. Please pray for us. The praise is that God has always carried me through each event and I know He is carrying me now.
I
The way you have explained being stalled versus stagnant is very well said. When I feel like there is a chasm between God and me I pray that He reveal anything that has created that chasm. It’s comforting to know that it may not be because I’ve done something wrong but to give me a moment to catch my breath and then move again.
My heart, my life, seems stuck. I live with and care for my elderly parents. My mother is bed ridden. My own health is questionable. I work full time.
I have looked for strength and “pleasure” in all manner of ways and things apart from God. I am depressed and exhausted. I can not “lift myself” up. I have given it my best. This whole situation is bigger than me. I need God’s direction and strength. I am a saved person. I have accepted the Lord Jesus and am trusting him for Salvation. I have told my parents and they too have become saved. For all this I am grateful. I enjoyed your site today as I visited it for the first time.
I don’t often read Encouragement For Today, but today I did. Yes, I am stalled, stagnant, bitter, broken hearted. The words God gave you to post today are True words. I will attempt to thin onthem as I go through this day. I need a push. Thank you.
I go by Mitsubachicats1 on the ‘net.
>^;^<
Every morning I wake up and read a few encouraging devotionals for me to meditate on throughout the day. This morning, two of them were about seeking God’s wisdom. There have been times, especially lately, when I felt as if I had hit a plateau in my relationship with God. It has been a while since I last ‘heard’ Him, or felt a deep notion to act on something, or my prayers went unanswered. All of things, I know, are not to be reminders that God is not with me, rather that sometimes He has me right where I need to be whether I understand how or why or not. One thing that I’ve realized is that in these moments when I don’t feel God’s presence, I need to remind myself to ask for His wisdom. So much panic, stress, and worry can be cut out and replaced by peace and understanding.
Your devotional/blog this morning was just what I needed to sum up how I’ve been feeling lately. Thank you!
Thank you for your words, for God’s words. I am certainly broken-hearted and after 27 years of asking to be healed, God is bringing me back to a place that confuses me…but I will not lean on my own understand but instead I will rest in the Lord. Joy is not living a life without heart ache but in remembering our salvation, being mindful of the Holy Spirit, and appreciating fellowship, such as in this blog. 🙂
Thank you…..today’s message really spoke to where I am in my spiritual walk right now.
I have felt stuck for some time now, but you are so right. Stuck isn’t stagnant. That is so encouraging, thank you!
Sorry, I didn’t think this comment posted so I posted another! Whoops!
You are so right! I didn’t realize that I was equating stagnation with being stuck. The truth is, that God has me in a waiting period, so I’m stuck but God has a plan and I will Trust Him! Thank you for your encouragement!
ThAnk you for your message today. It was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you God!
Thank you for the devotional this morning. It is amazing how God knows what you need when you need it.
This devotional spoke directly to my heart this morning. Thank you Suzie! A great reminder for me to not let emotions carry me away from God’s truths, rather to be still and know that He is God.
A verse that encourages me to stop holding my breath, exhale and breathe in His goodness is Jeremiah 29:11-13. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (NIV)
Hi Suzanne, as always your blog speaks to me. Thank you for this devotional on the difference between stalled & stagnant. I have had so much anger & resentment inside.I have been trying to heal from childhood abuse wounds, co sex addiction, codependency. My husband is a sex addict who has deeply wounded not just me but also our family acting out.i know that his SA is a symptom of his internal pain of his horrible & severe childhood abuse. In many ways he is still child like. Many many years of prayers are being answered but not in the way I thought they should be.I have been striving so hard to find the lord in this dark place. & I realize that now I need healing of my own heart because as my husband does his journey & is working his recovery. My heart has become very angry & bitter. Recovery is slow with little to no transparency or much visible change in our marriage. It has been so painful & at times I feel stagnant but I know that I am moving forward slowly.Thank you for this devotion.I know my heart needs mending. But that it is ok to be stalled. I have been so angry because healing while it is happening slowly is not happening in the ways I thought it should.but I know God is in control.Thank you for the reminder to keep pushing forward.
Thanks for your encouraging read today. I read your article through the Proverbs 31 Ministries email that I receive each day. It is a wonderful way to begin my day. I also love that there are different authors highlighted each day. Your post today especially struck a chord with me. My heart has been broken and my soul has felt wounded and broken since January, when I was wronged by those I work with who are in a position of authority, in a Christian environment. That’s what makes it so hard, to be so mistreated by self-righteous people who have all the power. I know I need to forgive, but I also know The Lord does not condone the oppression put on me. I would love to read your book The Mended Heart. I pray for my heart and soul to mend every day.
Thank you for helping me see God’s truth….I have been stalled for a long time, yet still slowly moving forward.
It’s amazing how He has been meeting me in this “stalled” space lately. My life recently has involved lots of questions, pain, and fear– I knew I needed to turn around because the path I was heading down was not toward Him and who He’s created me to be. It’s painful and difficult work that can make you feel stuck in the mud. But Each day I find glimpses of Him in this mud pit. This morning I heard Him loud and clear through you. Thank you for allowing Him to speak through you and thus encouraging others, like myself, to strive to the same.
Thank you for this encouragement today. I have a dear friend that is going through a difficult time right now. I feel at a loss of what to do or say. Her & her husband have a lot of health issues. Their children are trying to help them but my friend thinks they want to put them in a home. I have try to encourage in that it will not happen but if they not start taking care of themselves it may happen. I believe the children want what is best for them. Please pry for this broken family.
Thank you for your prayers,
Karen
I have been feeling more than stalled in my relationships; it seems like I really am stagnant. I don’t doubt that God has a plan, but I’m struggling to discern his wisdom. Your book seems like it would really open up my heart and eyes. Thanks for today’s message.
Thank you for this post. I have felt stuck for a little bit now waiting on the Lord for some reprieve. I have been praying and crying for some relief. Here’s to continued waiting on the Lord…
Thank you for this wonderful message. I’ve been stuck most of my life. Just now learning to rest in Him.
Thank you for this today! What an encouraging word. God bless you!
One text I always cling to is Phillipians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This has much meaning to me in my hard mental times of pain in my past. My pastor told me these verses when I asked him as a young lady what I could do to forget my pain in the past. They have helped greatly.
Thank you for this message and the reminder that God is by my side at all times.
Thanks tor your encouragement today. I have been feeling stuck and discouraged lately. One verse I go to for help is Proverbs 3:5,6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways and He will guide you on the right paths. HCSB
Thank you. This was exactly what I needed this morning.
One verse that I find encouraging is Habakkuk 3:19, “The Lord God is my strength; he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.”
I really enjoyed this today. Thank you
Thank you for the wonderful scriptures above. They were very helpful in my current situation.
Tonya Hayes
I found your blog from a link from Encoragement for Today. I am trying to read something encouraging each day. My son has been addicted to drugs. I had no idea the amount of pain families have to deal with in having a loved one addicted to alcohol or drugs. I never would have imagined that we would have this in our family. The whole experience has humbled me and given me compassion for others struggling with this issue. I am asking God to heal me from the trauma of the experiences we have encountered so that I will not be a hinderence. I know He has a plan and I need to trust Him to work it out in His own time. Thank you for the encouragement
Thank you for your encouraging words. I am in a difficult spot right now and they have given me hope and encouragement!
Thank you for these 🙂 I’ve always looked to Proverbs 3:5-6 when I feel stuck: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
I have found myself stalled in the past rather than living in the present and looking forward to the future that the Lord has for me. When thoughts of the past come into my mind I recite Isaiah 43:18-19 Do not call to mind the former things or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it will spring forth. Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
Thank you Suzie, my verse has been from Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”. When I find myself in a place that doesn’t make me feel good that verse tends to stand out, then I know that I am trying to do things in my own strength and not in Him. Being intentional about actually stopping and letting Him take over is never easy but the rewards are amazing. Thank you for you blog, it has inspired me.
My heart sighs with greatfulness… Thank you!
I have been stuck for years. I lost my Sister, Dad and almost lost my Daughter in consective order.
My Sister in a violent Car accident Nov. 7 1986, Dad Oct 31, 1987, my daughter was born two months early Dec 23, 1986. As years went on I dealed with this, but really never getting over my Sister’s loss. Since we got into a Sister arguement and I never got to say I was sorry. I love her very much.
And then I got my heart brokent by an X Boyfriend, 30-10 years later I realized it was the best thing for me. I met what I though was a Wonderful man, dated him for a year and we got married. My Step Dad and Mom were both not doing well, health wise. I got married May 22, 2004. My mothers birthday was May 23rd a good time to get everyone together…. right., It was great, I told my step father that he was the Best man in the world and that, I thought they broke the mold, after him. But, I found one more. My Husband Harold, I truly did not mean to make everyone in the hall cry. But, we all did, men and women.
August 15, 2004, by stepdad was taken from us, not too long after that my nephew was killed in a vehicle accident. But, the Heart Breaker again… was the Passing of my MOM. She missed my POP so much and Dialysis was just making her tired and sick. I am the baby, and my MOM is an Angel to me and always will be. She would not pass in front of me and I would not leave her side. But, I left for a few minutes to go get clean clothes, I promised I would right back…. i got to the Corner by her house and my sister called me and she had passed. I could not go back.
Two weeks after that I went with my new Husband to have an angiogram, they wisked him away by ambulance on a Friday, to have open heart surgery on Monday. All I could do is cry…
He doesn;t understand. He thinks I was not there for him, but all I could do was cry. The Dr. told me to go home and rest, or I would be not help to him. He blames me for not being there every waking minute.
But I was there more then he will ever know. My husband and I have been at odds for years.
I have turned to depression, medication, and alcohol… It is not the answer to any of this. I was told that he Loves me, but is not in love with me.
We are still married but, he is in one room, me still in our room.
I am fighting Depression, and with the GRACE of God and many, many people praying. I hope one day I can find peace. I have two daughters, three grandchildren. 1 steph daughter, who is getting ready to have her first baby. I am very happy for my Husband, he is very excited. God bless us, and know that I love my family, each and everyone of them.
Praying for you
REALLY enjoyed this today. Thanks. Would LOVE to win a book!!
I really needed this today. It hit home with how I’ve been feeling. I would love to win this book!
I came over from Encouragement for Today. The verse that came to mind when you asked us to share one that helps when we are stuck is: “ahh Lord God, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by zthy great power and by thine outstretched hand; NOTHING IS TO DIFFICULT forThee” I needed your reminder today that i’m not stagnant. The pain i’ve experienced with my teenaged son and his unholy choices is heartbreaking. I needed the reminder that I am just stalled, because it feels like I have to remind my self to breathe some days. My circumstances look very bad, but I have to keep walking by faith that Gods promises are true. I need prayer support.
Thank you so much for your words! As I was praying this morning, I told God that I felt stuck and didn’t know how to pray about a certain situation in my life. He always answers! In addition to your blog, He gave me these verses: “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36)
Good morning Suzie,
Thanks for your daily devotions on bible gateway. I truly enjoy them all
Thank you Suzie
I will read the scriptures right after work.
I will do anything. I need to find myself and get my self esteem back and be Happy.
I have broken down, partially my fault for letting it happen, but some of us are not as strong as others.
I want my Marriage to work, but I put it in the hands of God. He knows everything that has gone on, and he is in control.
Thank u for such restoring spiritual nourishment. I am so tired. I have spent more than forty years as primary caregiver for parents, siblings, primary trouble shooter for close relatives/friends,incuding addiction, alzheimer,schizophrenia,Barnasbas/Encourager/Support system for family, friends, church members,grief group support leader, case manager/thearpist for children, families, and adults, crisis interventionist and more. Many times well intended good deeds were rejected, highly bashed and even with bullying beat downs. I became broken. I am using my faith, daily reading( found you) to release and restore.I am quiet now, breathing while stalled & realized, I didn’t do a good job of self~care. God istill in control & will meet my needs!
Suzie,
As i read the messages left above my heart and prayers go out to these women. I read of their pain, suffering, uncertainty, and can see myself in some of their messages. I am at a point in my life that I can look back and all the I have been through as a child that was sexually abuse, marrying her high school sweatheart, having a son in high school and yet graduating in three years. Going on to having a daughter and following her husband where ever the military took us to returning home and questioning our marriage that ended in divorce. During that time I was ready to walk away from my husband, childern, and all that we had because I had buried so much and I could no longer deal with the pain and anger. Yes, we did divorce, but I found the strength in God to not walk out the door and never look back. I found an amazing church that begin to show me that not only was I worthy of God’s love, but that no matter all that I had been through He had never left me. I found the encouragement to step out of myself and do something I have always wanted to do even at the age most peolpe would never had believe they could not only become part of something bigger then themselves and give back by joining the US Air Force, but I did trusting in God. Now almost seveteen years later I have found that by trusting God he has blessed me in so many ways that I never imagined. Yes, there have been ups and downs, heartache when I opened myself to love again, joy in the birth of my grandson, blessed to see my son become an amazing husband and father. Amazed at my beautiful daughter that I almost lost when I was pregnant not only follow her dreams for the career she has, but recently see her marry an amazing guy. Yes, there have been hard times, but each time that I find myself facing them, when I put my trust into God he may not answer at that moment, but I know he is watching over me as his word says in Jerimah 29:11 and I find my peace to face any challenge that comes my way. Even through the darkest periods God is with us, he may not answer us right then and there, but trusting in him will give you the ability to never give up.
Searching for my new purpose in life – a focus – stuck – not knowing which way to go. Good word. Great book! Would love to share it with a hurting friend.
Thank you for speaking exactly what I needed to hear. I feel uplifted and will meditate on the verses you’ve shared. xoxo
Your posts are always so helpful to me. Thank you!
I have a friend whose husband has left her for another woman and has given her no hope for a reconciliation. He also will not file for divorce because he doesn’t want to bother with the process, so she is stuck in a terrible limbo right now with her two kids. Her heart is broken as are her children’s. I think that your book would help her tremendously. I also ask for prayers for her and her children, for God’s grace, comfort, strength, and endless love to wash over them and give them hope for the future.thank you, Suzie, for sharing your incredible faith. It inspires me!
I needed this today! I just finished reading my bible this morning, opened up my email…and see Are you stuck? That’s exactly how i feel right now in my life. Thanks for the scriptures of encouragement.
God will provide help for all helpers and those heavy laden by everyday life trails.
Reading your devo over at Proverbs 31 hit me like a brick this morning. Our son was recently molested and I have totally felt stuck..not knowing how to move on or let go. You encouraged my heart this morning and I am grateful. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of your book!
Thanks for the devotional this morning. God used this to show me what is going on — oh yeah, I am stuck!! Thanks for the devotional!
As always God gives us what we need when we need it. I have been praying for a friend that almost lost her life due to drugs last week and I have felt I needed to pray differently so I have decided to pray for her to be receptive of God’s call and not the call of chemicals. Thank you for the encouragement.
Encouraging! There IS a difference between stuck and stagnant! I loved how you pointed out the all the positives.
Thanks for sharing. I’m definitely stalled, and needed this. I have become discouraged, and the scriptures you shared really spoke to me.
Thanks Suzie,
This is something that I wrote working through my anger when someone hurt me deeply. I was even angry with God for allowing it all to happen, shattering my dreams. Afterall He knows the outcome of every situation. I made a choice to trust God and I still wait to see what He plans to do with my life. It is a continuing journey that I take one day at a time. I had to dig into the scriptures repeatedly as a constant reminder of God’s promises to reasure myself. At the time I wanted to “Lash Out” but made the choice to try it God’s way:
Lashing out
K’s devotional moment
Have you ever been deeply hurt by someone you trusted and loved? Do you still wrestle with the need to ask why? Are you still dealing with the painful loss? Do you desire to lash out at them?
Then do it! Do it with the most powerful weapons you possess; God’s mighty weapons.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 I use God’s mighty weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s stronghold. These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding him. With these weapons I can capture rebels and bring them back to God, and change them into men whose hearts’ desire is obedience to Christ.
Often times we want to lash out and hurt that person as we feel they have hurt us. You may even be justified in doing so but what would Jesus do? What did he do? He laid down his life for you and the person who wronged you. The word of God calls us to pray for our enemies. Can you not pray for someone you love even though you have become the victim of their poor choices? Jesus knows exactly how you feel. He was betrayed by one of his disciples he considered a brother. He never lashed out at anyone. Jesus prayed and left it to God. Don’t get in God’s way. If someone needs to be repaid for their wrong doing, He will take care of it.
Romans 12:19-21 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.
Your greatest weapons are prayer, love, faith, hope, God’s word, and the Holy Spirit. Nothing can break down barriers like God’s weapons. Only God can change them so, call on God to utilize the ultimate power. You do your part and God will take care of the rest. The first part is to lash out in prayer for them and seek answers in God’s word. Work through your anger with God. He will help you find peace.
Would you accept the person back into your life if you knew their hearts were changed? How will you know they have changed? The second part is to lash out with faith; faith that God will help you to know as you start over with the relationship; rebuilding it in a way that Glorifies God. The third part is to lash out with the Holy Spirit; allowing the Holy Spirit to help you communicate lovingly, positively and honestly. The Holy Spirit will also help you discern if/how this relationship needs to be in your life. Either way, there is no room for hatred. Again, you do your part and leave the rest to God.
What if they never come back? They may not but, rest assured that God will use the entire experience for your good. He has promised so.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Having been through such an event in my life the outcome so far has been a deepened relationship with God and some very special friends that are still with me on the journey of healing. Stand by for the rest of the story. It involves patience and blessings.
Anonymous, it sounds like you and I have had similar experiences. Thank you for your wise words. They remind me that it is not my place to bestow vengeance for the intense abuse and soul pain that was inflicted on me and to pray for those who inflicted that pain instead of feeling victimized and bitter. I needed this today. Blessings to you!
This was something I wrote during a tough time in my life a couple of years ago when someone I love deeply hurt me deeply. I experinced anger, pain, anxiety for that person and God. Afterall God knows the outcome of every situation. However, I chose to trust God with all of it. I dug into scriptures like never before for constant reasurance that God loved me, was with me and that God would take care of the things that needed to be taken care of including me. I wanted to “Lash Out” and I chose to do it God’s way. We will always be a working progress and new chalenges will come our way. Each time makes us stronger in Christ if we give Him the reigns.
Lashing out
K’s devotional moment
Have you ever been deeply hurt by someone you trusted and loved? Do you still wrestle with the need to ask why? Are you still dealing with the painful loss? Do you desire to lash out at them?
Then do it! Do it with the most powerful weapons you possess; God’s mighty weapons.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 I use God’s mighty weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s stronghold. These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding him. With these weapons I can capture rebels and bring them back to God, and change them into men whose hearts’ desire is obedience to Christ.
Often times we want to lash out and hurt that person as we feel they have hurt us. You may even be justified in doing so but what would Jesus do? What did he do? He laid down his life for you and the person who wronged you. The word of God calls us to pray for our enemies. Can you not pray for someone you love even though you have become the victim of their poor choices? Jesus knows exactly how you feel. He was betrayed by one of his disciples he considered a brother. He never lashed out at anyone. Jesus prayed and left it to God. Don’t get in God’s way. If someone needs to be repaid for their wrong doing, He will take care of it.
Romans 12:19-21 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.
Your greatest weapons are prayer, love, faith, hope, God’s word, and the Holy Spirit. Nothing can break down barriers like God’s weapons. Only God can change them so, call on God to utilize the ultimate power. You do your part and God will take care of the rest. The first part is to lash out in prayer for them and seek answers in God’s word. Work through your anger with God. He will help you find peace.
Would you accept the person back into your life if you knew their hearts were changed? How will you know they have changed? The second part is to lash out with faith; faith that God will help you to know as you start over with the relationship; rebuilding it in a way that Glorifies God. The third part is to lash out with the Holy Spirit; allowing the Holy Spirit to help you communicate lovingly, positively and honestly. The Holy Spirit will also help you discern if/how this relationship needs to be in your life. Either way, there is no room for hatred. Again, you do your part and leave the rest to God.
What if they never come back? They may not but, rest assured that God will use the entire experience for your good. He has promised so.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Having been through such an event in my life the outcome so far has been a deepened relationship with God and some very special friends that are still with me on the journey of healing. Stand by for the rest of the story. It involves patience and blessings.
This is so timely. Thank you for the encouragement. And your book looks so good too!
Your message always hits me at the right time. I had some bad anxiety last year and the past few weeks have been on edge almost waiting for it to come back. I know I am strengthened through the Lord and the suit of armour.
This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you! My marriage is struggling and I feel broken and defeated. Only God knows what we really need and the changes that need to take place. I need healing, help feeling secure, and loved.
I had to have a hysterectomy the end of May due to adhesions, enlarged uterus and adenomyosis. I have not recovered well at all. The surgery triggered severe PTSD and then a deep, deep depression set in. Since the surgery I have been stuck. Some of it is hormonal but all of a sudden I don’t know who I am, what I am, or what’s wrong with me. The only thing I do know is that I am His. But when your stuck in sinking sand and you can longer feel anything, it is easy to lose track of that. I can’t pray but I can raise my arms to be held and He does go before us. Thanks for the encouraging words this morning. Still stuck, but I’ve got my hands raised high!
Bonnie
I already own the Mended Heart Book and was working really hard on healing a lot of past hurts. then, we said we would do a “couples Study” What Did you Expect? I had make a choice between to be able to do the daily reading and homework.
I will go back to the Mended Heart as soon as we finish the couples study. I was really starting to feel better about some things from my past. I know I must deal with them all in order to grow closer to God and once an for all let the past go. I will do that asap. Thanks, for the Study and the Blessings I was getting. I promise to return to the study as soon as the couples on is finished. I need to once and for all get healed. I am certainly a broken pot that has leaks as you so aptly described in your book.
Thanks for your honesty and encouragement to me and others. Mary Kaiser
I really needed this encouragement today! I have been struggling w/many things, feeling “stagnant” is definitely one of them. My marriage is a mess & seems like it is irreparable & I just feel like giving up! I know all things are possible with God but tend to not really trust or believe in that as I should. Prayers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to Lysa TerKeurst for sharing your devotion today!
Suzie, your “Encouragement for Today” was just what my heart needed. I start my mornings reading “Jesus Calling” and the Scriptures tied to it. I have had a couple days of feeling a little bit farther from God than I have been used to for weeks. And unsure what that is. Thank you for the encouraging words to continue to sit in the quiet, commune with God and know that a little bit of stall is just that, a little bit…and how easy it can be to renew and deepen my faith and relationship with Christ Jesus.
Warmest thanks,
~Lisa
Hi Suzie, I just love your ministry. I have a deep desire to do what you do, extend a life line to Jesus for the many hurting and bleeding women in need of Jesus’ healing touch. I so admire you Suzie and please know what an impact your outreach of love, concern and teaching has on this planet.
My heart even though filled with Jesus is still in need of healing. I sometimes think I will remain broken until I get to Heaven. Broken in body and spirit. I love Jesus with all my heart and seek to serve Him and draw others to Him. I love you, I pray for you and ask for God’s Great Blessings be bestowed on you and yours.
I am going to take a couple of the Scriptures in this post and hang them where not only I can seem them but my family as well. I want my young girls to learn to depend on Him! Thanks you for the motivating words!
Hello there and thank you for what you wrote and what I read!! I am thanking God for bringing me to the Proverbs 31 site which led me to you and to ALL the AMAZING women that share in this!! I am so in love with how the Proverbs 31 site has grabbed a hold of my attention and then I want to read, learn, know more because of your writings and Julie’s writings!! Today really hit home because I turned my back and walked away from my Lord and I stayed away for many years. I have come back and it took my beautiful mother to pass away to bring me back to the Lord!! Amen!! I do not know everything, I cannot quote from the Bible but I know He is the ONLY WAY, THE ONLY ONE who could have brought me out of the darkness I was in!! And through my sweet sweet Angel, my mother, He was the lighthouse that led me back!! I am forever grateful. I live with an attitude of gratitude!! Grief still takes over and I feel so lost, sorrow, guilt, despair, loneliness and it’s been 6 years since my mommy flew home to Heaven. My battles are not yet over, but through and with God, I can do anything!! In Jesus name I pray!! Thank you and God Bless You!! You make my heart smile!!
Thanks for your encouragement today. After reading your devotions today I was able to put into words how I’m feeling right now, and that is STUCK! I also realized that it is not a wasted time, not meaningless, not a time to be in despair, but a time to hold onto God and wait for Him to give me direction. To wait for Him and not make just any decision as if it’s all meaningless right now anyway. He has a purpose for this too.
I love it when we have those “aha” moments and suddenly our perspective changes! Love this comment.
Thank you for your words today at Proverbs 31 ministry.
Needed this today. Thank you for the encouragement.
I’ve been stuck on this journey of life for the past 10 years, spinning my wheels not knowing what to do or where to turn. My heart and feelings are numb to the point of not feeling. Please keep me in your prayers.
Dear Cheryl,
I read your post and I want you to know, I just prayed for you. I prayed lifting you up to God our Heavenly Father, asking him to touch you, hold you and reveal Himself to you. I can empathize with your pain even though I do not know your circumstances. I was in a 10 year trial of my own and I know that feeling you describe. Ten years is a very long time. May God Bless you in some way.
Diane
Cheryl,
I have just prayed for you and have asked God to reveal himself to you in a way that you can not mistake His presence.
Please do take a moment to re-read the uplifting scriptures from Suzie’s blog and others who have posted today. Above all, remember that you are precious to God and He is longing for you to call on Him.
Rhonda
Suzie, your devotion and this post were meant for me today…wished I had read it this morning before all **** broke loose but after reading it again, I think that it is much more encouraging in the aftermath! I would love to read your book! My favorite Scripture verse when I am feeling scared, anxious, sad or just plain overwhelmed is Isaiah 41:10. It is the very first verse I ever committed to memory! “So do not fear [be afraid or anxious], for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my [victorious] righteous right hand.” God bless!
Dear Suzie,
I too wish I had read your message earlier today. I have been going through a series of challenging times and feeling somewhat disconnected. Thank you for your insight and comforting words regarding being stalled versus not moving. Two scriptures that I have posted on my corkboard are:
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with rejoicing Job 8:21 – this one in particular got me through some very dark days.
“Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; with deepest awe I will worship at your temple. Lead me in the right path, O Lord or my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do and show me which way to turn Psalm 5:7-8
May God continue to bless you and your ministry.
So many hurting souls here that need the spiritual nourishment you give. I am one of those souls. Thank you so very much. May our Heavenly Father bless you for the healing you are doing in His name.
Thank you Suzie. I intuitively knew the difference between stalled and disconnected and what happened was I was feeling that God’s word was not empowering me because I still didn’t feel victory over a satanic influence at work. Then my doctor(!) said words is encouragement that helped and I turned the pessimism corner abruptly. To me that meant I was stalled but not disconnected. I turned firmly. Then my scripture…many yours from your Proverbs 31 Devo and this blog had much more power. Thanks for clarifying this. Now I have subscribed to your blog. What a blessing you are! Praising God for you!
Thanks for speaking what my heart has been feeling for some time now.
My husband and I moved 700 miles away from family last year to work with a ministry. Unexpectedly the positions lasted only 1 year and we have been in that stalled place for 3 months now, between jobs, wondering, asking, what’s next Lord. It is truly a hard place to be. I appreciated reading your devotional. It was a great reminder that God is still in control, even if I don’t see the whole plan! God bless you and continue to use you to reach others.
I have four kids. I was a home schooling mom, then I went back to college while the girls were finishing up high school, so they could take college classes for high school credit. My younger daughter calls herself a “super senior”, but she is only 19 and starting her senior year of college. She started her first college class two months before she turned 16.
Now I have two daughters that are seniors in university, a son who is a firefighter, and a daughter who is a bus driver/mechanic.
It is time for me to get a real job and start a new life for myself. I fell like I have been in the “Hallway of Life”, holding doors open for my kids.
I know God will open a door for me soon…meanwhile, I am trying to dwell on the present and enjoy the moment in HIS grace.
Thanks again Suzie for a timely devotion. I’m hanging onto Romans 8:28 – I really feel stuck right now and need some answers. I know my God is Faithful just this place is so hard and feeling alone in it. Feel like everywhere I turn are problems, marriage, family, CHURCH – Soaking in His presence today. Blessings.
Thanks for this devotion. It meant a great deal to me. Thank you for your ministry.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I often forward your posts to my sister who began her faith walk with Christ just a year ago. Would love to win a copy of your book for her (though I must confess that I would ask to borrow it as soon as she read it). Your message about being stalled vs. being stuck has already been forwarded to her – so appropriate for the place she is right now. Thank you again for your loyalty to serving our King.
WoW! I stumbled on your web page coming through several different sites and ending up here. Thank you so much for what you have shared. I am 61 years old the year and going through a divorce after 38 years of marriage. My life is changing in so many ways I cannot keep up! Right now my life is like the ocean waves that are getting larger and larger and they do not stop. There are moments when I have to stop and catch my breath, literally, but still the waves do not stop. Jesus is my Savior, though, and he is always by my side. He comes to me as I reach for him! Thank you for the reminders.
I think I probably need to read this book.
He is my rock and my shield.
I cling to Romans 8:28 frequently.
You speak a message that gets the mind thinking on all that God can do….we are not alone. Thank you
Amen. I know how you feel. Anxiety is not good for anyone. Even when you try to brush it off.
I am praying for all of us that suffer from Anxiety and Depression, may the Lord bless us all and take this awful pain away from us. Once and for all.
I ask this in Jesus name. For he has the power to heal. We just need to trust and believe.
Which for us, it is not easy. But, we cannot lean on our own understanding. Right? I for one must trust in God, for the decisions I have made in the past, have not always been the right ones.
And I suffer daily from them.
Thank you for these much needed words of encouragement!
There are so many I don’t know where to start…
there is one that I have been meditating on for the last few weeks, it’s Psalm 3: 3 which says
“But You O YAH are a Shield for me, my glory and the Lifter of my Head”.
So simple but yet so profoundly encapsulating the struggles and trials of life and the reliance on God to be our salvation.
how do i get here. I have been in a valley of dark for so long.
I am so tired, and depressed.
Lord hear my prayers…..help me
I just lifted you up in prayer MaryAnn.
Thank you very much…. may God bless you all and thank you for even taking the time for me.
I am praying for God to come into my life and show me the way he wants me to go. If he has and I missed his message, WHY? How do I know when he is trying to communicate with me?
Am I missing something. Everyone say’s it’s time to leave my husband. God has already shown me that message? I missed it. I do not feel it in my Heart, and I keep hoping for the best.
Am I blind? Please help me to understand. I love my husband, and I am not perfect. Turning to alcohol to not feel pain. Lord hear my cries and help me.
I am corresponding with you privately, MaryAnn. Thank you for sharing your heart. I’ve tried to answer your questions in the email I sent to you.
Thank you again. I will lift up my eyes to the hills- from whence comes my Help?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Psalms 121:1-2
Thank you all….
I love your scriptures, Suzie, especially the Psalm 28 verse.
My favorite “go to” verse is Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Hi thank you for sharing. I am in a marriage of 25 years which is going nowhere but apart and affecting my children especially my younger daughter so much she has taken on my sad feelings and is a sad girl I pray for God to work a miracle please in our lives or probably I am not praying enough as most of the time I am just stuck and exhausted.
I have been in your position, Crystal, except my marriage is a 36 year marriage. I felt for the past 18 months that I should leave my husband and move on after his two affairs and emotional abuse of me for asking questions about the affairs. He showed no empathy, offered no apologies, would not answer my questions, blamed me for his affairs. I actually separated from him for 10 months due to the abuse. I grew in my faith during this time and felt that maybe God was working on both of us during that break but had so much trouble with forgiveness. I was seriously stuck and on the verge of just giving up and filing for divorce. Last week, I had to move out of the little house I lived in and move back home. It was hard to do and I cried the whole time. I didn’t want to go. But I decided at that time to let go and hand it over to God. I have only been home a few days, but I feel like God was giving me a push in the right direction. Things are so much better between my husband and me, and my husband has been working on himself through therapy. I am beginning to have hope and I feel that I am where God wants me to be. I am not advocating separation, just handing it all over to God and continued prayer and faith. He will direct your path. He always answers and it is always for our good, no matter what that answer might be. I am lifting you up in prayer, my friend.
An update to the above post: it has been 18 months since I moved home and felt that God sent me to reconcile with my husband. 3 weeks after I moved home, I discovered the affairs had continued the entire time we had been separated and that he had lied for a span of 20 years–his relationship with his affair partner had not only been deeply emotional but physical as well. I was shattered and wondered why God would send me back to an abuser and cheater who had basically made the majority of our marriage a giant lie and who had now destroyed the purity and trust of a 37 year marriage. I am still stuck, wondering what God is doing here and also wondering if I missed what He is trying to tell me to do. My husband seems to be out of his affair fog and is trying to work on himself and the marriage and even says he wants and loves me, but his actions do knot show what his words are saying…is God telling me to stick it out and try again to reconcile or to stop being a dummy and get out of a relationship I should left decades ago when the emotional abuse started? I can’t seem to get clarity on what God wants from me , so I continue to wait and pray….
Please seek the help of a Christian counselor (licensed). Go whether your husband will attend with you or not. You are asking really important questions and sometimes we just need a safe place to ask them and sort through our response. I pray today that God will lead you to the right person. I also pray for the powerful help of the Holy Spirit, our ultimate Counselor, on your behalf.
I GOOGLED ‘Gods Word when you feel stuck’, because that’s where I am. I went to one site and couldn’t get through then I came to yours which opened up to your very pleasant face and a smile then all of these posts with women opening up and pouring out their hearts. I thank God for this media and for your website Thank you for those words and reading from all the others remind us that there is nothing new under the sun/Son. I have experienced emotional abuse, infidelity, raising to young girls on my own who are now beautiful young women, financial struggles and now helping an adult daughter who is also going through separation toward divorce with two daughters of her own. Carrying the finances and being there for everyone has got me stuck and it’s becoming overwhelming. People don’t see that though they see my smiling face and in the moment I’m interacting with others I am sincere, but back in the quiet of my private space I feel the weight of the world and your words of encouragement remind me that I am NOT alone and I pray to God will help me put one foot in front of the other to do what I need to do to get out of this download spiral of financial burden.
God I put this smile on every day! I encourage others but I feel I’m 32 and I have nothing. I’m grateful but God.
I actually just googled “scriptures on feeling stuck” . I was also actually just sitting on a rock today in a state park of “Elephant Rocks”. I left town for a few hours to get away. To think and mediate out in nature and to ask questions. I have been writing a book and I’m feeling like I’m stuck. I want to proceed but doubt fills my mind. I left to clear my head and to try to refuel myself. I have been in a process of “healing my broken places.” but I’ve found myself slipping on a slope of a big rock and have found myself wedged in. Stuck. Not in the pit I was in before just a tight spot. God is still working it out.
It is just difficult plain and simple to wait. Laying aside my feelings of confusion, hopelessness, stress, Well that is difficult. Life seems to have an endless supply of mortar rounds to hurl at me as if waiting isn’t hard enough. Even the simplist of things can send me spiriiling downward into despair when they piled one upon the next. Well God does not see things the way I do, He does not even see me the way I do. Thank goodness!!!! In His eyes it has all been taken care of. The Creator of the Universe loves me and I AM HIS adopted daughter. Even when I don’t feel I deserve it, even when things do not go the way I planned, even when I feel lost, He is still loving me. Through Jesus He sees me as righteous now. Wow! What great and unimaginable things have already been done for me! If my loving father is The King then He will surely guide me when I seek his council and CHOOSE to trust in Him. Even while I wait there are already things God has set before me to do so I seek him to do them better and press on knowing. Verse : Heb 12: 1-3 HCSB (because it says not grow weary and loose heart) how beautiful. Jeremiah 29:11 God bless all you lovely women of God and I thank you also.
Feelings of stagnancy comes and goes, but when remains it really squeezes the heart and nearly takes me to the verge of a wrong juncture , but by divine grace a small voice inside says to me ” don’t worry ” and a sudden calmness like a wind cools my troubled heart , and later I see how God is turning my Troubled Heart into a Heart full of Rejoice. You gave some amazing insights through scriptures which I appreciate, but whenever i am feeling low I might not remember the complete scripture but I can hold onto that little but Divine Voice o f GOD that says to my Heart “Don’t Worry” and that settles it …
I thank you so much for ministering to me in spirit and in truth in my time of need. God bless you for your faithfulness.
In Christ,
Brother Steve
Thanks for the inspiration.
I have “Philippians 4:6″ tattooed on my wrist Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving present your requests to God.” I love this verse.
Today my dog got stuck in some covers and couldn’t get out, she barked and I came to help her out. I thought about the Lord, when your stuck in life just call on the master and He will be there. I was looking for a scripture to correspond and your site came up. Thank you.
amazing yes that right thank u for sharing that I’m calling on Jesus
I am feeling stuck in life, I feel my motivation has left me. I want to do God will and reach out to others but something is clouding my vision. I am directing my attention back on God even though I do pray and study the word everyday. I don’t understand this rutt I keep finding myself in. I want to get rid of all that is holding me back and step out in faith and do this!! Accomplish things!!! I want to be like the man in Matthew 25: 14-30 God gave 5 bags of gold to and he faithfully invested it and brought back dbl the amount. Do well with what you have and more will be given to you. Please pray for me and thank you for these uplifting Scriptures.
I’m going threw so much ashamed guilt loneliness and im feeling out place I feel like I always hit a brick wall I read the scripture you added on your page I love it
This morning I felt like I had just hit a brick wall….stuck and not knowing how to get out. I googled scriptures to read in moments like this. Thank you for the lifting especially about “bringing oxygen back into the lungs”. Breathe…is what I tell myself as I trust God to work the situation out.
I felt the spirit when I read these five verses. Very encouraging verses. Thank you for posting them!
I am so glad that I found this site. I felt as if I was the only one going through turmoil. When I start reading the comments I felt sympathy for alot of you. I do not feel as alone as I had been knowing I am not the only one who goes through. I have been going through trials and tribulations since 2006. It seemed as soon as I left the sin world and gave my life to Christ is when I start going through all of these trials. I have prayed and cried, asking God to forgive me of my sins. I haven’t given up, I will continue to keep holding on to Gods unchanging hand. I believe that He is working in me right now and it is a matter of time before He will reveal to me what my purpose is on this earth. I have made note of alot of the scripture that you ladies have quoted and will be sure to use them in my everyday readings. I pray for God to give us the peace, joy, blessings and answers that we each were directed to this sight for. Amen
I am the mom of a 23 yr old disabled son. I love him with every ounce of my hesrt and soul. I have accepted that he is my life and future and have committed to this. However, I am feeling ” stuck” because there is no free time. I can only work 4 hrs per day and must go straught home. No family or help. Thus is our daily life and I”ve adjusted. The truly awful thing is this ” resentment/guilt” cycle that I am constantly in. It is draining me emotionally and mentally. I resent him for as much time he needs from me then turn right around and feel immensly guilry as I know it is not his fault. I love him so much and cannot imagine my life without him as he does bring so much joy. But I find myself longing for solitude. I am so conflicted and do not see a light at the end of the tunnel. This is our life… Forever. I pray daily for strenghth and acceptance of our life situation but regretfully cant always find peace. I try very hard to live one day at a time but still feel overwhelmed. I need to know how to trust in God and let go but just cant seem to get there. Just now starting to research scriptures as I am realizing that I cannot do this by myself.
Lord, show Cindy a way to have some fill-up time. If there are places or people that can give respite from time to time, lead her to it. Give her the freedom to say yes to that help. Fill her up supernaturally, Lord, as she seeks that help. Thank you for this beautiful son, and for a mama who pours into him.
Wow! As I reading this my spirit could feel your pain. I want you to know that God sees and feels your pain too and HE is going to help you through this. I want you to go to a local church, get prayer and speak you someone in the church about your situates. There are people out here that will sit with your son and do right by him. I’m praying for you!
this was encouraging thanks
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading
it, you can be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and
will eventually come back later on. I want to encourage
you continue your great job, have a nice weekend!
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