Saturday in the Word | Rise, Take Heart: When God Meets Us in Our Stuck Places

Some weeks feel like movement. Others feel like mud.

There are seasons when we stride confidently into God’s calling… and seasons when we wrestle with doubt, insecurity, or uncertainty about where we’re headed next. If you’ve ever felt spiritually paralyzed—stuck in place, unsure what to do next—you’re not alone.

Scripture reminds us that God is not distant in those moments. In truth, those are often the times He draws the closest.

A God Who Meets Us Where We Are

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently steps into people’s stuck places. He steps into their fear, their shame, their confusion, and their exhaustion. Before He calls anyone to go anywhere, He meets them right where they are. Just like He met you and me.

He speaks peace into fear.
He brings strength into weakness.
He calls people to rise when they can’t imagine moving at all.

This is the heart of the Gospel: God sees us. God steps toward us. God lifts us.

The Invitation: Take Heart

One of Jesus’ most beautiful phrases is simple but life-changing: “Take heart.”

Take heart.

It’s His way of saying:
Don’t give up.
Don’t lose courage.
I am right here with you.

Taking heart isn’t about mustering our inner strength. It’s about receiving the strength only Christ can provide. It’s a reminder that the power to rise doesn’t come from us; it comes from Him.

Where Do You Feel Stuck Today?

Maybe it’s in your work.
Maybe it’s in a relationship.
Maybe it’s in your faith, your confidence, your calling, or your next step.

Maybe it’s in grief that still catches you by surprise.

Wherever you feel paralyzed, God is able to speak movement. Yes! He is able!

Wherever you feel weary, God is able to speak courage. He is able!

Wherever you feel unsure, God is able to steady your heart. Yes, God is able!

Preparing Our Hearts for Sunday

Tomorrow, we’ll look at a moment in Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus meets a man who cannot move and speaks both forgiveness and healing over him.

Today, let this truth settle into your spirit:

God meets you in your stuck places.
God invites you to rise.
And God gives you the courage to take heart.

May you and I enter Sunday with open hands, expectant hearts, and a genuine willingness to let Jesus speak life where we need it most.

My Prayer

Precious Lord, meet me where I feel stuck today. Speak Your peace into my fear, Your strength into my weakness,
and Your courage into the places where I hesitate. Help me take heart in You.
Help me rise in Your strength. Prepare my heart to receive Your Word tomorrow. In the mighty name of Jesus.
Amen.