PAUSED or STALLED – There is a difference !

Stalled – Part 3
“Pause or Stalled?”
July 10, 2025
Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Over the past few days, I’ve felt the Holy Spirit stirring my heart around this idea of being stalled—not in the mechanical sense, but in the spiritual one. And I’ve been reminded that any separation we feel from God never begins with Him. It’s usually when we drift—chasing other ways, following half-truths, or simply forgetting what God has already done in our lives. The truth is: God hasn’t stopped moving; sometimes we’ve just stopped receiving.

I thought about how, in most modern cars, you can’t start the engine without first putting your foot on the brake. Maybe that’s a lesson for life too. Could it be God’s gentle way of telling us, “Before you rush into today, pause—just for a moment—so you can hear My voice and sense My presence”?

Pausing isn’t stalling.
It’s the intentional choice to surrender a moment to Jesus before the day begins—or before any decision is made. It’s about waiting for direction before you move. Think back to what Jesus told the disciples at His ascension: “Go and wait for the promise.” (Acts 1:4).

They weren’t stuck or stalled—they were pressing the brake to prepare for the new thing that was coming.

Here’s how I would define being stalled spiritually:
Stalled: The act of being stopped in progress, motion, or development—whether by hesitation, reluctance, resistance, or uncertainty—despite having the means or power to move forward.
In real terms, being spiritually stalled might look like this:

You’ve stopped growing, even though God is still speaking.

You’re hesitating to obey, even when the Holy Spirit is prompting.

You’re staying where you are, not because God said “wait,” but because you’re unwilling to go where the Holy Spirit is leading.

It’s like having the engine running, but refusing to shift out of park.
Maybe you’re at that point today—foot on the brake, not quite ready to move. Use that pause to check your spiritual dashboard:
How is your prayer life?
Are you reading Scripture with a teachable heart?
Are you worshiping with your whole being?
Are you living out mission in Jesus’ name?
Are you connected to a circle of support and accountability?

Here’s the good news: there’s nothing in your life that can’t be repaired. But it begins with a willingness to fix what has stalled you in your faith. That journey starts with confession, leads to forgiveness, and takes us into redemption.

It’s a new day. Embrace the steadfast love of the Lord that is fresh for you this morning.

Let’s walk in that victory together as followers of Jesus.
Thanks for reading,
—Pastor Calvin