Momentum: How to Get Unstuckనమూనా

Shopping, I know. As a seasoned mom of six girls, made up of three different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, I’ve done my fair share of waiting for the reveal from a dressing room. But this time was different. Daughter Number Six was taking too long. She seemed to be struggling. That’s when a panicky, “Mom! I can’t get my pants off!” bellowed out of the dressing room. She maneuvered around the ink tag at the ankle to try on the pants, but couldn’t slide them off. The fluster of her face communicated giggling would prove to be a mom fail.

The look was familiar. I’ve seen it in the face of my friend with three young children. She hides in her closet for a moment of solitude. This angst is also present in the life of my walking buddy trying to balance work, family, financial responsibilities, and life-threatening health issues. Exhaustion and monotony offer a sense life is heading nowhere.

Beit a friend in the middle of waiting, an exhausted mom, or a colleague spinning in uncertainty, the countenance is consistent. You’ve likely felt what these women feel. There’s no get-up in your go! There seems to be nowhere to go. Or maybe you feel trapped in the jeans you are wearing. No matter the details, stuck is the same emotional place regardless of age, social-economic status, or ethnic background.

The good news is that Jesus is the one source worthy of our trust to get us moving forward, to give us the momentum necessary to take the next step. He shows us how when we look at his life and ministry.

For the Messiah, everything was urgent. Those diseased wanted to touch Him. The religious desired to malign Him, and the hungry wanted to be fed by Him. Thousands often awaited His teaching because he was off by Himself, praying.

Wait. What? Isn’t that sort of rude to keep needy people waiting?

No. It was essential to Jesus perfectly fulfilling His calling. That should resonate with us. The demand and responsibility of the Son of God did not dictate His behavior. Jesus gave precedent in all things to getting away with His father. Why would we think we could advance any differently?

To get unstuck, take note of Jesus. Make getting alone with God your highest priority.