Stuck in the Mud

The other day I was watching a crew mowing a ditch with one of those quick and efficient riding mowers. The rain had made the ground soft, and you guessed it, the mower got stuck in the soft, muddy ditch. The guy cutting the grass realized he couldn’t get his mower out on his own, so he was just relaxing on the grass until his fellow crew members came to rescue him. Probably everyone has done the same thing. Whether you are driving a car, an ATV, or a lawn mower we all tend to get stuck in the mud occasionally.

God’s people can sometimes find themselves stuck in discouragement and defeat. Other times believers can find themselves bogged down with sin or spiritual lethargy. When that happens, it becomes difficult to get moving again. These are the times we need someone else to help us get unstuck. We need someone who is free, mobile and strong to attach themselves to us and pull us out of the ditch. In the Old Testament David was being hunted and threatened by King Saul. Several times Jonathan came to David and assisted him, protected him, and encouraged him. He helped David to get unstuck. Eccl 4:9-10 says: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor, for if they fall, one will lift up his companion”. In the New Testament we are challenged to surround ourselves with others who love God. Gal. 6:1 says: “Brethren if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…”

Are you stuck in the mud and can’t seem to get moving for the Lord again? Have recent circumstances left you weary and worn out? Do you find yourself just spinning your wheels in a repeated cycle of immobility? Perhaps it’s time to call for help. Surround yourself with a group of people who are joyful, thriving Christ followers. They will help you out of the ditch. And if you see a fellow believer bogged down in the mud, make sure you pull over and help him get unstuck.