stuck in a rut

[guest]

Bro Mike... What happens when we as Christians get stuck in ruts that we seem we can't get out of? Some of it is continual sin that I am turning from little by little, but there are still those I just can't seem to just let go of yet. Also the same goes with reading the Bible and spending that much needed time with God. I keep telling myself and God included that I am done and will give Him more of me and read my Bible, etc, but that never happens. I just keep letting myself down and Him. I just don't know what it is, but I just don't give God the time He deserves! Its almost as I fail at something and give up on the day and just say there is a new day tomorrow. Like I really want to serve God and desire Him and glorify Him daily. I am tired of saying I am going to do it, yet don't. I don't read my Bible much at all... I know I need to be in His word, yet just don't. How can I move on from this stage and go to the point where God wants me and where He desires me to be?

[Mike Miller]

First, the reality is that all Christians get into ruts in our spiritual lives. I've sure been in many of them. That's when our faith is really tested. After all, it's easy to be faithful when all is well and we are on the mountain tops, but the true test of our faith comes in the valleys. That's why I think that the low times are necessary to build our strength and character.

However, let me address something you said about turning from sin little by little. That isn't really turning from sin at all. Turning from sin means turning from it--period. I'm not trying to imply that this is easy, but the reality is that Jesus has set us free from the power of sin. We only sin because we want to (and we all sin).

You also say that you don't read your Bible. Really, there's only one solution to that: read your Bible. I know this seems simplistic. I don't mean it that way, but that's just the reality. We all do things every day that we don't particularly feel like we want to do (like get out of bed or go to work or both), but we do it because it's necessary--and it's the right thing to do. The problem is actually deeper than not reading the Bible--it's not wanting to.

So, here's the solution (it will sound simple, but it's not). We are not saved by our good works or valiant efforts. We are saved by grace. And while as Christians, we are accountable for the way we live, we are no less dependent on God's grace. You need to repent of your sin, and you need to read the Bible. But the place to start is on your knees. I suggest that you get alone with God (even if you don't want to) and start at the bottom. Confess to Him that you are spiritually dry, that you don't know what to do about it, and that you need His help. Ask Him to restore the joy of your salvation, to give you a desire to read His Word, and to give you the will to turn from your sin completely.

In the mean time, you still need to read your Bible and stop sinning, but this is ultimately a work of God in your heart. If you are relying on yourself, then you are not relying on God. If your faith is in yourself, it is not in God. To stop sinning and start reading your Bible will be difficult without God's strength, but it must be done. However, if you rely on God, He will not let you down, for "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Remember, the Gospel is not about how good you can be. It is about what God has done and will do in our lives. Hang in there (even if by a thread), and let me know if I can clarify. I'm praying for you.

[Mike Miller]

I just ran across this great quote from William Wilberforce's diary at a time when he was at a particularly low time spiritually:

"Lord, thou knowest that no strength, wisdom or contrivance of human power can signify, or relieve me. It is in thy power alone to deliver me. I fly to thee for succor and support, O Lord let it come speedily; give me full proof of a thy Almighty power; I am in great troubles, insurmountable by me; but to thee slight and inconsiderable; look upon me O Lord with compassion and mercy, and restore me to rest, quietness, and comfort, in the world, or in another by removing the hence into a state of peace and happiness. Amen."