There are seasons in life when we feel stuck. We pray, but nothing seems to change. We think, plan, and try harder—yet forward movement feels stalled. Frustration sets in, and before long, discouragement follows. When that happens, it’s easy to assume something is wrong with us… or worse, that God does not care about our situation.
But Scripture shows us a different perspective, reminding us that this world is not the undefiled world God created it to be. Sin has broken our world, and we live in this broken world. Sin has hurt and broken us. And because of that, people hurt people. Systems fail. And sometimes life takes turns we never asked for and could not have foreseen or prevented. It’s simply the result of living in a broken world. And that, at times, can leave us feeling stuck!
When we find ourselves in seasons like this, the Bible often points us toward fasting and prayer—not as punishment, but as an invitation. An invitation to pause. To listen. To realign our hearts with God when progress feels impossible.
John 15:5 (NIV) — “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”
Feeling stuck often exposes how easily we drift into self-reliance—even in good and sincere efforts. Fasting and prayer become the supreme acknowledgment of Jesus’ words.
For many people, fasting is difficult. And that difficulty itself reveals something important. Our spirit, soul, and body are often underdeveloped when it comes to resisting things that run contrary to what God desires.
The heart of fasting is not perfection. It’s starting somewhere. The question often arises, "What do I fast for?"
There was a time when I felt led to fast. Before I started, I asked the Lord, "Lord, what is it you want me to fast for?" He led me to read through the entire chapter of Isaiah 58 so that He could teach and lead me on what fasting is about and why we should fast. (I encourage you to read through that chapter!)
The Lord then spoke to my heart and said, "What feels stuck in your life?" (That is what led me to write this devotional.) After thinking about the answer to that and praying about it, I knew exactly what was stuck in my life. And so that is what I lifted to the Lord while fasting and praying. And you know what? A short time into the fast, the Lord gave me the answers to two different questions I was struggling with, and once I knew what to do, I was unstuck! I was euphorically happy! I wasn't stuck in this problem anymore.
Over the years, I have made fasting and praying a regular and ongoing problem. I usually pray and fast when I have friends who are really hurting and are stuck. And then sometimes that is me. I have grown to live the fasted life because you become so much stronger in your personal discipline and faith! To be honest, I wish I had learned this when I was a young Christian. I guess better late than never!
If this speaks to you and you don't know where to begin, I suggest this. First read Isaiah chapter 58 in an easy-to-read translation. Ask God to teach you and lead you. And then, simply begin. Skip at least one meal and spend that time praying instead. Let the Lord know you are skipping that meal because you want to spend time with Him. Read a short passage of Scripture that speaks to your heart. Take ten or fifteen minutes to pray honestly about what feels stuck—and pray for someone else as well.
This is often how God helps us move forward—not all at once, but step by step, heart by heart, moment by moment. Small miracles begin to appear. Clarity comes. Quiet breakthroughs happen. Answers surface.
This is why God invites us to practice fasting and praying. It is not about losing your mind. It is about finding yourself again in Him—rediscovering His voice, His peace, and His direction.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) — “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Closing Prayer: Father God, when I feel stuck and frustrated, help me remember that You are near and at work. Teach me to stop striving and start seeking. As I fast and pray—even in small ways—realign my heart with Yours. Renew my strength, quiet my mind, and lead me forward step by step. I choose to depend on You, trusting that clarity and breakthrough will come in Your time, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
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