Stuck in a Rut? 3 Steps to Spiritual Growth
You can live a Christian life, and still have a stagnant relationship with Jesus. I know, because I have been.
My faith hasn’t grown this summer. In fact, it might have been a while since it has…
I still pray and go to church and Bible study every week. I have my quiet time each day, but somewhere along the way, it’s become enough. My faith has changed my life, it’s part of every moment of my day, but I’m still far from perfect, and I still have room for growth.
I love Jesus, and I want to love Him more… but I haven’t really put anything into that desire. At least nothing new.
1 Thessalonians 4:1 urges us, “that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.”
I seem to have gotten to the “just as you are doing” and stopped. Have you ever been there? Have you ever stopped striving to grow your faith?
I would never say that I have, but actions speak louder than words. And my actions seem to have landed me in a comfortable Christian groove.
You can live a Christian life, and still have a stagnant relationship with Jesus. Click To TweetI’m stuck in a Christian rut, but I’m ready to get out.
So, I’ve been wondering what growing in my faith at this point in my life looks like. I can’t “do” more than I’m already doing, but that doesn’t mean I should stop growing. And no matter where you are in your walk with God, you shouldn’t either. Check out the tips below that have been helping me to kick-start my spiritual growth.
3 Ways to Grow Your Faith
1.) Pray for Conviction
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” ~ 1 John 1:8 ESV
When I was in high school, I thought I had it made. Every our pastor recited that verse, I silently thought, “well, everybody but me.” I was so prideful. I’m not that way anymore, but too often I forget to ask God to bring my sin to light. I’m content with where I’m at and don’t really want God to disturb my life. I don’t want to be made aware of my sin, even though I want to become more like Jesus.
Sadly, you can’t have one without the other.
Taking the jump and praying for conviction is probably the best possible way to grow our faith, because it’s truly surrendering our life to Christ. It’s not easy. It will definitely be uncomfortable, but it’s a sure fire way to get out of your complacent comfort zone.
2.) Weigh Your Witness
“…In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” ~ 1 Peter 3:15 ESV
When people look at you, do they see Jesus? That’s a question I keep asking myself. When I interact with others, do I point them to Jesus? Do they realize I’m a Christian? Does anything about my personality, actions, words, glorify God? Does anything hinder my witness?
Those are some pretty powerful questions. Because too often, the answers aren’t what I would hope they were. I might not be cussing, but that doesn’t mean I’m I good witness. Impatience, self-centeredness, and pride can do as much (or more) damage to my witness as anything else. Too often, I don’t stop to love those around me. I get so wrapped up in my own little world that reaching out to others doesn’t even cross my mind. This is definitely something I need to work on.
Do you ever get so wrapped up in your own life that you miss what's going on around you? Heather does… Click To Tweet3.) Write God’s Works
“I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.“ ~ Psalm 118:17 ESV
There is something about writing out what God has done that just ministers to my soul. Not just writing out my blessings, but starting with creation or the Cross. Because really, it’s not about me, it’s about Jesus. I’ll write out how I have seen Him work my life and in the lives of those around me. Anything to remind me of how great my God is. And really, this isn’t a new idea. David did it all the time, just read through the Psalms. He constantly recounts how God created the world and brought them out of Egypt.
It’s great to count our blessings (and we should), but if we really want to grow more like Christ, we have to look beyond ourselves. We have to focus on who God is and what He has done.
Are You Ready for Spiritual Growth?
If you are stuck in a “Christian rut” it’s time to break free. If you know you love Jesus, but you’ve realized that you aren’t growing more and more like Him every day, maybe these three steps can help you, too.
Are you stuck in a spiritual rut, or have you been in the past? If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
3 Ways to grow your faith. Click To TweetIf you liked this blog post, you’ll also love our anthology, Candid Conversations. While each story shares a unique perspective, the prevailing theme is that while we all struggle, there is hope to be found in Jesus. Get your copy from Amazon or click here to learn more.
LOVE these thoughts! and your honesty!! I think we have all been there many times, your passion to move forward, and your candor about where you have been is a true blessing. Your tips to move forward are great!
Thanks, Katie! I agree, I think we all through stages like this, and sometimes we don’t even realize it (I sure didn’t).
this is so powerful, do you mind if I put this in my devotional journal because I want to come back to it when I feel this way
Please feel free to do that, Terri! I can’t tell you how many notes I have written to myself based off of something another blogger wrote. It’s a blessing that God can use my words to speak to and help others.
Great reminder! Loved this post! Spiritual growth is so important.
Thanks, Amanda!
Ah Heather yes! Just this morning I was listening to a message on the radio and He was saying that each of us should make “love” our first priority in ministry. Do we love others as we love ourselves? Do we exemplify love? I know that I miss that mark every single day and it brought me conviction. Loving the Father so that His love flows through me onto others. You are absolutely right that we should always be growing, stretching, learning. Thank you for being so transparent : ) I’m pinning this!
Thanks, Natalie! Loving others is hard. It gets easier the more we become like Christ, but I don’t think it will ever truly be “easy” this side of eternity.
Always a good reminder. I always am asking God to make me hungry. If we don’t get enough nutrients we lose our sensation of hunger. But with God’s word, the more we eat, the hungrier we get.
God’s Word can fill us up, but it should naturally pour right back out. We have to stay plugged in, connected. My problem wasn’t a lack of connection though, it was a lack of growth. I was comfortable where I was plugged in. To comfortable.
Great thoughts and truths. God bless you for sharing!
Thanks for stopping in, Clarissa.
This is an amazing post and such great advice! I personally love number 3! Writing and speaking His word aloud is very important! Thank you for sharing this 🙂
Also, I have nominated you for the bloggers recognition award! https://beautifulsouthernheart.com/2017/07/06/blogger-recognition-award/
That’s so exciting! Thanks, Kristen!
This is so true you are brutally honest here. That is hard to do.
Being candid can be scary, but when we realize how many other women are going through the same thing, it’s a lot easier to open up. All too often, Christian women relate to one another’s struggles. This is just one example. Thanks for stopping in.
If we have been a Christian for any length of time, I think we can identify with your honesty. About not growing. About just standing still. Great ideas here. Remember also, this is a race. Small steps forward keep us moving towards the finish line.
Yes! A small step in the right direction, is still a step in the right direction.
Good blog and posts. I say I want more of Jesus and then sabotage my plans by not spending the time with Him. Reading the Bible and prayer, by themselves, can’t take the place of sitting at Jesus’ feet.
I’ve just been seeking God about ‘learning contentment’ and this is my current rut. it’s so easy to wish things were different and focus on what you wish was different. God is moving me out of that rut by reminding me that contentment will never be found in anyone or anything other than Him. It has really begun to move some stagnant places out of my heart. thanks for the double reminder!
So true, Karen! We have to learn to find our contentment in Jesus.
Yes, it’s all about Jesus. When I focus on him in my prayer time, I find my whole perspective changes.
Yes! Focusing on Jesus does change our perspective, doesn’t it, Rachel?
Boy do we all need this reminder! It’s so easy for us to get comfortable, but Jesus never said the goal was to be comfortable! Thank you for this!