Overcoming Life’s Disruptions

What’s stalling the momentum in your life?

Our Heavenly Father wants to bless us and empower us to walk in victory. Yet sometimes our momentum is disrupted—until we confront what’s holding us back.

A few years ago, I was driving to a doctor’s appointment, and when I stepped on the gas it wouldn’t respond. I was only able to go about two miles an hour and my “Check Engine” light was activated. Knowing that rebooting often solves computer issues, I hoped this would solve my auto issue, so I turned it off and restarted it. No change! My car was still crawling at 2 mph! Finally, I had my car towed to a mechanic. His diagnosis was surprising, to say the least. In fact, he said he’d never seen anything like it.

It turned out that critters had gotten into the engine area, built a nest, and chewed through the electronic throttle control, severing the connection to the gas pedal. Because of that severed connection, I was unable to get acceleration and sustain momentum. I had a destination in mind but something beyond my control was preventing me from reaching it.

Have you ever experienced anything like that in your spiritual life? Has your connection and rhythm with God ever been disrupted by “critters” that made their home in the spiritual “engine” of your heart and your mind? Many disruptors can threaten this vital fellowship with the Lord. Perhaps you’ve been disrupted by the impact of grief or loss, guilt or shame. Maybe you’re dealing with anxieties and overwhelming challenges. Maybe besetting sins have paralyzed your progress and stalled your journey.

When Your Momentum Stalls

No matter the issue, your momentum problem will continue until you look to Jesus—the One who dealt with the same kind of throttle threats in His life, but who overcame them all. He was tempted by the same challenges we face, yet He remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

Even when Jesus had everything pressing against Him as He neared the end of His life, He was able to keep His momentum. In John 13 as He anticipated his death, he assumed the role of a servant, washing His disciples’ feet showing them how they were to love each other.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for God’s cup to pass from Him, but even then He refused to let distractions take root in His heart. He fully embraced the will of His Father (Matthew 26:39). Because He knew who He was and whose He was, His forward momentum was never disrupted. Even up to and through the horror of crucifixion, His momentum and ministry never wavered. His destination was never deterred. He kept on loving, kept on serving, kept on giving.

To be honest, I don’t always have that kind of focus and determination. Sometimes my momentum gets disrupted. Thankfully, God has given us tools to address these disruptions and restore our connection with Him, overcoming the distractions that threaten our forward progress. Meditating on the inspired Word of God, engaging God in honest and earnest prayer, submitting myself to the fellowship of other believers are tried and true ways to address the spiritual “critters” that would steal not only our momentum but also our joy in following Jesus.

Friend, ask the Lord to reveal the ‘critters’ disrupting your spiritual momentum and surrender them to Him today. When you come to Jesus in faith, honest about your need, and receptive to His grace, He will give you the peace and strength you need to regain your momentum and resume your journey in fellowship with Him!