I used to think quitting was a bad thing. I believed that when you felt stuck in life, you needed to push through until things got better. After all, it seemed like the most successful people in life overcame major obstacles and changed the world because they never quit on their dream. So shouldn’t we do the same?
Why am I feeling stuck in life?
Five years ago, I felt stuck. I was working a difficult job I didn’t like. I was in a relationship that wasn’t working. I barely had enough money to pay the bills. I felt like I was going nowhere, doing nothing, and losing my passion in the process.
Have you ever felt that way? Like at some point, you stopped making progress in your life?
Maybe you planned on getting a promotion, but you’re still stuck in your entry-level job five years in. Maybe you planned on being married by now or pursuing some dream, but that hasn’t happened. Maybe you wanted to have a deep relationship with Jesus, but now it’s hard to feel His presence at all.
How to get unstuck.
When I felt stuck, I wanted to start over. Break off relationships, quit my job, and move out of town. I felt like I was out of options until I read this verse.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV
Wisdom is the understanding God gives us to make good choices and pursue our purpose. After I read this verse, I prayed for wisdom and something changed. I realized my problem wasn’t being stuck in life, it was that I was too busy with too many things.
What I learned was I needed to quit a few things to make room for the right things.
So how did I decide what to quit? I prayed this simple prayer: God, help me hold on to what’s helping me grow and let go of what’s holding me back.
Over time, God showed me of one thing I needed to let go of which changed my perspective on life.
God gave me the wisdom to know what to do next, but I still needed help to follow through. The friends in my life made all the difference. They walked with me through that time, gave me advice, and helped me gain the confidence I needed to take my next step.
Quitting that one thing changed my perspective on my job, my living situation, and my future. I found fresh hope and purpose. I wanted to quit everything because I thought that’s what I needed. It turns out I just needed the wisdom to quit the right things. Then, everything else fell into place.
If you’re feeling stuck in life and want to find wisdom so you can move forward, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind:
1. Ask God for Wisdom
If you’re feeling stuck, ask God what to keep and what to let go. He’ll show you. Of course, He’ll never ask you to sin, or to compromise your integrity. If you’ve made a lasting commitment to someone or something, it’s important to do everything in your power to persevere. But even in those situations, God can give you the wisdom to know what changes you can make. Change may not be easy, but when you push through the fear, you’ll find freedom on the other side.
2. Ask Friends for Advice
When we feel stuck, it’s not always easy to think clearly. That’s why we need good friends. They can ask the right questions and remind us of our identity. I’ve found that friends help me gain perspective. They see things I can’t because of my insecurities and doubts. They tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. A LifeGroup is a great place to find these kinds of friends.
Wisdom comes from God and from the people in your life. If you’re feeling stuck and wondering if there’s something you need to quit, take a moment to stop and pray. Ask God to give you wisdom and to give you friends who can help. Over time, He’ll help you find a way forward.
