A Breakthrough From Feeling Stuck

This article is part of our Winter 2021 Breaking Barriers. This installment focuses on unexpected access. If you'd like to read more stories from this issue, please subscribe to Breaking Barriers. 

For me, one of the blessings that has come out of COVID-19 (yes, I did say blessings) is the livestream worship services. I know that’s not been everyone’s cup of tea, but I’ve found them very meaningful. 

I’ve had the opportunity to tune into a service from the church of my childhood and have been blessed to listen to a young pastor (whom I used to babysit) of a thriving congregation in Newfoundland. Recently, I got to listen to one of my nephew’s family lead worship in the online service at the church they attend. Also, I followed a sermon series on the book of Esther, one of my favorite characters from the Old Testament. 

I believe that Esther’s life is relevant to where we are today. Esther was stuck between a rock and a hard place! Would she risk her life to see the Jewish people saved from being wiped out? Have you ever felt stuck? 

Stuck comes at us out of nowhere, and it hangs around way too long. Illness lingers, financial troubles worsen, relationship squabbles get more complicated, delays lengthen, and the solution or breakthrough we anticipated stays frustratingly out of reach.

Be encouraged and trust that God cares about you and he walks with you, even through the difficult places in life. Wherever you find yourself today, “God is an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

This post was written by Lori West (Heritage Fellowship CRC, Brampton ON) and has been adapted from the October 26, 2020, edition of Lori’s Scribble, a self-published newsletter of personal reflections. Lori was born with a progressive neuromuscular disease that has left her dependent on a wheelchair and seeks to silence her voice. For the last four years, she has resided in a long-term care home.