By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Our family had made plans to go boating up the river with some friends. My husband and I have a checklist of responsibilities to keep our boating trips running smoothly. He backs up the trailer, while I take the helm of the watercraft. Then, while Gerry is busy parking the vehicle and boat trailer, I pull around to the nearest dock so that everyone can climb aboard.
This particular day I sat in the boat watching my husband navigate the already crowded parking lot. After spying an open space, he decided to take a short cut through a small grassy area (a maneuver he had done many times before with no problem). Unfortunately, heavy rains from the night before had left the ground saturated. As the SUV hit the grass, all four tires sank into the mud and began spinning. My husband was stuck in a rut.
I called out to him, asking if he needed help, but he shook his head no. He was determined to get out of his predicament alone. I watched helplessly as he rocked the vehicle to and fro, trying to break free from his muddy furrow, but no amount of rocking worked.
I called out to him again, “Are you sure you don’t need a little push?” Throwing his hands up in surrender, he finally agreed to accept help. A couple of the guys with us offered their assistance, and after a few energetic shoves in the right direction, the car and trailer were back on solid ground.
Spiritually speaking, have you ever found yourself stuck in a rut, unable to progress in your journey with God? It can happen to anyone—even the strongest Christian.
While it’s true that anyone can get stuck in a rut, we are not supposed to remain there. Like my husband, we must acknowledge our need for help. With help from the Holy Spirit, friends, and family, God nudges us back onto solid ground.
“The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:13b-14)
Don’t waste precious time struggling in a rut alone. Call out to God and wait for His team of support. Before you know it you’ll be moving forward again, steady and strong.
“I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.” (Proverbs 4:11-12)
“If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)
