Faith: How do I grow spiritually when I feel stuck in my faith?
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
To grow spiritually when you feel stuck, you must shift from striving to abiding, moving your focus from religious performance to a personal, persistent connection with Jesus through small, daily rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and community.
Executive Summary
Spiritual stagnation often occurs when we rely on our own strength rather than the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit. By acknowledging the "dry season" as a natural part of faith, returning to the foundational practice of abiding in Christ (John 15), and engaging in consistent, honest prayer, you can break through the plateau. This guide provides practical, biblical steps to rekindle your spiritual hunger and find your "True North" once again.
Understanding the "Wall" in Your Spiritual Journey
If you feel like your prayers are hitting the ceiling or your Bible reading feels like a chore, you aren’t failing, you’ve likely hit a spiritual plateau. In my years as a pastor and coach, I’ve seen that these "dry seasons" are often where God does His deepest work. They strip away the "feel-good" emotions of faith and force us to anchor our hope in the character of God rather than our own current state of mind.
Being "stuck" is frequently a sign that your current spiritual habits are no longer sufficient for the new season God is inviting you into. It’s an invitation to go deeper, not a signal to give up.
1. Shift from Striving to Abiding
Jesus gives us the ultimate blueprint for spiritual growth in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Most of us try to "grow" by working harder, reading more chapters, volunteering for more committees, or forcing ourselves to feel more spiritual. But a branch doesn't "try" to grow fruit; it simply stays connected to the vine.
How to Abide Today:
Acknowledge the Source: Remind yourself that spiritual growth is God’s work in you, not your work for God.
The 5-Minute Reset: Spend five minutes in silence each morning simply acknowledging God's presence before you ask for anything.
Release the Guilt: If you’ve been away from God, don’t apologize for the time gone; just walk back into the light.
2. Persistence: The "Ask, Seek, Knock" Principle
In my Miracle Mindset teachings, I often reference Matthew 7:7. In the original Greek, these verbs are continuous: Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking.
When you feel stuck, your instinct is to stop praying because it feels ineffective. However, prayer isn't a lottery; it's a lifeline. Even when God feels distant, the act of showing up is a form of spiritual discipline that matures the soul. As I’ve written before, why God feels far away often has more to do with our awareness than His absence.
Practical Persistence:
Pray the Psalms: When you don’t have the words, let the Bible speak for you. David’s honest cries are perfect for dry seasons.
Honest Lament: Tell God exactly how you feel. He can handle your frustration and your silence. If you are struggling with the "how," check out this guide on how to pray when you don't have the words.
3. Break the Isolation with Community
Spiritual stagnation thrives in the dark. When we feel "stuck," we often pull away from the church or our small groups because we feel like hypocrites. But Scripture tells us in Proverbs 13:20 that walking with the wise makes us wise.
You need people who can believe for you when you’re too tired to believe for yourself. If your stagnation is rooted in past wounds, it may be time to pursue healing from church hurt so you can safely re-engage with the Body of Christ.
Action Steps for Community:
Find a Mentor: Reach out to someone a few steps ahead of you in faith and ask for a 20-minute coffee.
Confess the "Stuckness": Tell one trusted friend, "I'm in a dry season. Can you pray for my hunger for God to return?"
4. Reset Your Daily Rhythms
Sometimes the simplest way to get unstuck is to change the scenery. If your morning routine has become a rut, move your prayer time to a walk outside. If you’ve been stuck in the Old Testament, move to the Gospels.
The "Sprout" Strategy: Don't try to change ten things at once. Pick one "sprout", one small, new habit, and commit to it for 30 days. This could be a daily gratitude journal, a five-minute worship session in the car, or a weekly fast from social media to clear the "noise" in your head.
You Are Not Alone in the Silence
Remember, the silence of God is not the absence of God. Even in the desert, the roots of the desert plants go deeper than they do in the rainforest. This season is designed to make your spiritual roots stronger and more resilient. Keep showing up. Keep abiding. Your story is not over, and your growth is just beneath the surface.
FAQ: Navigating Spiritual Stagnation
Q: Is it a sin to feel spiritually stuck or dry? A: No. Dryness is a common experience documented by almost every major figure in the Bible, including David, Elijah, and even Jesus in the wilderness. It is a season of refinement, not necessarily a result of sin.
Q: How long do spiritual dry seasons typically last? A: There is no set timeline. Some seasons last weeks, others years. The key is to remain faithful in the small things while you wait for the "rain" to return.
Q: Can anxiety or mental health affect my spiritual growth? A: Absolutely. Our spiritual, emotional, and physical health are deeply interconnected. Addressing burnout or anxiety with professional coaching or counseling can often clear the path for spiritual renewal.
Q: What is the fastest way to get unstuck? A: There is no "fast track," but the most effective way is honesty. Stop pretending to be okay and start being honest with God and a few trusted believers about where you really are.
Take Your Next Step Toward Purpose If you’re feeling stuck and need a partner to help you navigate this season, explore my Purpose & Leadership Coaching. Together, we can find your True North and turn your spiritual plateau into a platform for growth. Learn more about Coaching with Dr. Layne McDonald here.
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