Don’t Stay Where You’re Stuck
- Vessel Church
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Watch sermon "Don't Stay Where You're Stuck" with Pastor Alex Jordan on YouTube.
Have you ever found yourself stuck? Maybe it was in traffic on I-4 in Orlando, surrounded by tourists and endless brake lights. Or perhaps it was something less literal but just as frustrating — stuck in a meeting that could’ve been an email, or caught in an awkward conversation with no easy exit. Recognizing when we’re stuck in those moments is easy.
But when it comes to our faith, growth, and purpose, recognizing when we’re stuck is a whole lot harder.
We can find ourselves stuck in a season we thought would pass by now, a cycle of sin we can’t seem to break, or even a comfortable rut that lulls us into complacency. Maybe it’s a relationship that’s not healthy or a struggle to surrender our plans to God’s lordship. Whatever it is, one thing is clear:
Don’t stay where you’re stuck.
Don't Stay Where You're Stuck: Progress Over Perfection
Paul understood what it meant to press on, even when things weren’t perfect. In Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV), he writes:
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Paul’s focus wasn’t on starting over or stalling out. It was on progress. Jesus doesn’t expect perfection from us, but He does desire our continued movement toward Him.
Stuck Doesn’t Always Look Like Stagnation
Sometimes, being stuck isn’t obvious. It can masquerade as busyness. Paul saw this in the culture of Philippi. People were obsessed with gaining status and proving their worth by becoming more Roman in every way. Their focus was misplaced — all effort, no eternal progress.
Are you moving, but not in the right direction? It’s like driving the wrong way on the highway and wondering why nothing looks familiar. Instead of looking for the sun, we need to ask ourselves, Where is the Son? Jesus is the direction we should be headed.
Forget What’s Behind: Don’t Let Comfort Keep You Stuck
Paul’s call to “forget what lies behind” doesn’t mean erasing our memories. In a culture built on oral tradition, forgetting was practically unheard of. But Paul uses the word Ep-ek-ti'-no — to stretch, extend, and strain forward. It’s an active decision to move beyond the past and toward God’s call.
Yet how often do we choose comfort over growth? Maybe we pick up a heavy water jug, realize we don’t like the effort it takes to carry it, and set it down. Then we repeat the process, using up energy but getting nowhere. Spiritually, stopping and starting is exhausting.
We get stuck when we:
Ask for help but reject the message.
Pray for God to speak but neglect His Word.
Long for a fresh start but fear the change it requires.
But Paul reminds us: The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. And lasting change happens one righteous decision at a time.
Take Hold of Jesus
Paul’s encouragement is simple yet powerful: “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)
Jesus already took hold of us. He pursued us, loved us, and made a way for our freedom. Now it’s our turn to take hold of Him — to press on despite fear, comparison, or comfort.
What are you stuck in today?
Is it fear that’s holding you back?
Comfort that’s keeping you from stepping into something new?
Comparison that makes you question your purpose?
A job, a relationship, or a season of waiting that’s left you motionless?
Wherever you find yourself stuck, remember this: You don’t have to stay there. Jesus invites you to move forward, one step at a time. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Don’t stay where you’re stuck. Press on toward the goal, because Christ has made you His own.
Watch sermon "Don't Stay Where You're Stuck" with Pastor Alex Jordan on YouTube.
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