Discovering God’s surprising fruitfulness when you feel stuck—and why faithful presence beats relentless striving.
The Daily CHEW™
CHEW on God’s Love. Live Transformed. Multiply Hope.
This morning, I sat with Maria, a Hispanic executive who leads a major division at her company. She stared at her phone, scrolling through unread messages while describing her to-do list that’s been on repeat for weeks. “I keep showing up, doing the work, but honestly?” she said, “Sometimes it feels like growth is happening everywhere except my own life. I know I’m capable, but I’m just… stuck.”
Maybe you know that feeling too. Maybe you’re carrying routines that used to ignite you, but lately seem flat. Maybe you show up, stay faithful, but the “breakthrough” hasn’t come—at work, at home, or in your spirit. Maybe there’s a longing to see fruit and forward progress—but for now, you’re in a season where faithfulness looks like showing up, not sprinting ahead.
The truth beneath the surface: Our longing for growth isn’t just about wanting to do more. It’s an ache to know that our small, steady presence matters—that God’s love and purpose don’t depend on constant improvement. The world rewards hustle and “bigger, faster, more,” but the Gospel reveals a different logic: Presence with God always precedes breakthrough. Self-help can’t supply more than a temporary rush. When growth slows, God’s love gives patient roots that hold, even in plateau seasons.
Join me for a real CHEW Reset—no fixing or forcing, just honest returning to God’s love and quiet work.
CHEW in 3–5 Minutes
Take three deep breaths—remembering God’s love is present right now, even if you feel stuck.
Adore:
“Father, You love me right now, before anything new is achieved or any plateau is overcome.”
Confess:
“What am I actually feeling? Is it frustration about a lack of progress, self-doubt, impatience, or fear of falling behind?”
Hear:
“What truth or promise from God do I most need?”
- “Abide in me, and I in you… you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:4-5)
- “They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
- “He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)
Exchange:
If I really believed God’s love is patient and sees fruitful work happening even in seasons that feel slow or stuck, how would that change my frustration with lack of visible progress and my impatience for breakthrough?
I would exchange hurry for gentle trust.
I’d trade frustration for gratitude for each small act of faithfulness.
I would let go of relentless striving and learn to delight in faithful presence, no matter the pace.
Walk:
What’s one small action—a note of encouragement, a prayer over my work, a choice to rest—that I’ll do today as an act of faith, living from God’s love and not my results?
Thanksgiving & Worship:
Thank God for His steadfast love—especially in slow or quiet chapters. End by re-focusing your heart on His kindness, not your own output.
Remember This
Growth is rarely instant—and that’s okay. Every honest return to God, especially in a plateau, is already a move forward. God delights in your presence and trust more than in visible breakthroughs or speed.
CHEW On This™
Set a time later today to revisit the Exchange question: “If I really believed God’s love is patient and sees fruitful work happening even in seasons that feel slow or stuck, how would that change my frustration with lack of visible progress and my impatience for breakthrough?” See what new answers emerge and notice how God’s love settles a little deeper from your head to your heart.
Community Call
Repeat this CHEW tomorrow, invite someone on the journey, or introduce the rhythm to your team or family. True growth deepens in community.
Want More?
Get The Daily CHEW™—practical rhythms for God’s love in every room of your home.
Ready for lasting transformation? Learn how to make CHEWing a daily rhythm.
Have questions? Email [email protected].
Select Resources
- Growing Where You’re Planted: Kingdom Ambition vs. Restless Striving
- Using CHEW with SALVES- A Practical Tool for Real Heart Change
- Scripture for Common Struggles & Growth
- Community CHEW: How God’s Love Transforms the Way We Lead, Parent, and Grow—Together
With you on the journey,
Ryan
CHEW on God’s Love. Live Transformed. Multiply Hope.
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