A Surprising Suggestion for When You Are Unable To Move Forward in an Area

Sometimes to move forward you must step back, occasionally even step aside. 

Sometimes to move forward you must step back, occasionally even step aside. #trustGod to lead. Share on X

Paralyzed

You may have noticed I’ve been rather quiet on this blog for a while now. It’s not that I don’t want to encourage you. 

In fact it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with me. I’ve been paralyzed to write much. 

I’m not sure what triggered my writing paralysis.

It may have started with the schedule upheaval that occurred when I began a new part-time job.

It may have been caused by a bit of burnout or over-commitment.

Perhaps it was introduced by the very difficult life decisions my husband and I have to make in the looming future. 

My guess is it is a combination of many things. Regardless of the cause, I’ve tried to push my way through the writing block. Yet the harder I try, the more stuck I’ve become.

Move Forward

We often try to solve a problem that’s not ours to solve. I’ve tried to get out of this writing desert by my own power and understanding.

But the more tools I’ve tried to implement, the more “advice” I’ve put into practice, the less I can write.

I’m slowly coming to the realization that I’ve made “recovery” all about me.

My writing was always meant to be an offshoot of my faith. But where’s the faith when I’m doing it on my own.

If I always take the lead, how am I expressing my trust in the Lord? When I’m plowing forward with little regard to where He wants me in this journey, there’s little room for God to get the glory. 

True, part of getting through writing block is to sit down and write. Just do it! B.O.B. time as my son’s piano teacher used to coach: Butt On Bench Time.

But perhaps the biggest part of moving forward in an area is stepping back to see what might be in the way. And that involves asking God for His wisdom and insight.

When we step back or even move aside, we allow God to take the lead, guiding us around or through the obstacles in our way.

When we step aside, we allow God to take the lead, guiding us around or through the obstacles in our way. Share on X

Permission Granted

I can’t say I’m back in full writing mode yet. But today there’s a difference.

Today I’ve let the frustration melt away and chose to trust God to provide the words.

This is not my writing ministry; it’s the Lord’s. In His perfect timing. When He’s revealed the obstacles in my way and led me around or through them, then my writing will once again flow.

Until then, I’m giving myself permission to step back and wait on Him. That’s trust … and I’m learning a lot about it in this writing desert I’m journeying through.

Paralyzed in an area of life? Give yourself permission to step back. Wait on God, trusting Him to show you the way. Share on X

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Reflections: Do you find yourself paralyzed in an area of your life? Have you thought about giving yourself permission to step back or aside, letting God direct and lead you through this desert?