Have you ever felt completely fed up with where you are in life? Maybe you’re tired of being stuck in the same place, facing the same struggles, and dealing with the same frustrations day after day. You’re exhausted, but the thought of change feels too much to even consider. You might have asked yourself: Is this all there is for me? Is this my life, or is there something more? And if you’re being honest, you might feel a bit stuck. Here’s what we have to know, that feeling of being “sick and tired” is the beginning of something, and it’s up to us to pursue what that ‘something’ is. We owe it to ourselves to consider that it might actually be God’s way of stirring something in you. It’s a divine invitation to challenge yourself in ways you haven’t before.
The first challenge in moving forward is understanding that discomfort is often a calling card for change. Although it can be frustrating, the best choice we can make is to allow that frustration to nudge us toward something greater. This is an issue for some of us because we might be tempted that what’s ahead of us isn’t better than what’s behind us. God’s Word says something different.
When God’s people returned from exile in Babylon and were in the process of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, they were reminded of the glory of the first temple that was built by Solomon. They were discouraged because the new temple seemed smaller and less impressive in comparison. In Haggai 2:4-5 and 8-9 (NLT), Our Heavenly Father sent His prophet Haggai to encourage them and remind them of His power to bless them and bring greater glory to the future: ‘“4 And now get to work, for I am with you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. 5 My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.’ 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. 9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”
In this passage, God reminds them that He owns everything, the silver and the gold. He’s the One who brings a time of upheaval and change, and He can provide everything they could ever need for His work and His temple. He promises that the future glory of the rebuilt temple will surpass that of the former temple, the one that King Solomon built almost 500 years prior. Despite its humble beginnings, God assures the people that the temple’s final glory will be greater, and He will bring peace to the place.
This is a powerful reminder to those that may be feeling dissatisfied and stuck. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t want you to stay stagnant in your own limited understanding of what’s possible. He’s calling you to something more, but the challenge is in responding to that call. How often do we sit and pray, asking God for more blessings, more growth, or a new direction, but we fail to recognize His calling to take action? The truth is, we often overlook the part where God calls us to become something more before He can bless us with more.
In Haggai 2:4, He told His people living during Old Testament times, “And now get to work.” They were stuck on the former glory, but Lamentations 3:23 reminds us that God’s mercies are new every moment. We don’t have time to fall into the trap of comparison. When we look at others who seem to have it all together and wonder, “Why am I still stuck here?”, we’re focused on the wrong things. It’s not about comparing ourselves to others; it’s about seeking God’s Will for our lives. What He has for you is unique, and it requires you to go deeper with Him. James 4:8 (NLT) reminds us: “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” Everything that we endure, every encounter and every experience can bring us closer to God.
Often our frustration and dissatisfaction remain because we are rejecting change and refusing to hear what God is saying about it. In order to challenge yourself, you have to be willing to release those harmful habits and patterns that keep you stuck in the same place. Maybe it’s fear, maybe it’s complacency, maybe it’s a negative mindset. Whatever it is, if you don’t let go of the things holding you back, you won’t be able to move forward. You must ask yourself: Are you ready to challenge yourself? Not just in your external circumstances, but in your inner growth, your trust, and your obedience to God. You don’t have to stay stuck where you are. God is calling you to something greater, and with His help, you can overcome anything that is holding you back.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Are You Challenging Yourself”, written for Springfield Fellowship © 2025. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.