Stuck
Getting Unstuck in Life: Moving Beyond Your Mat | Impact Church Scottsdale
Getting unstuck in life begins with a shift in mindset and environment, rather than just waiting for external circumstances to change. As illustrated in the biblical account of the Pool of Bethesda, true freedom requires assessing your inner circle, refusing to rely on excuses, and answering the radical question Jesus asks: "Do you want to be made whole?".
What does the Bible say about feeling stuck?
In the Gospel of John, chapter 5, we encounter a man who defines what it looks like to be stuck. Guest Speaker Scott Williams describes the scene at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, a place known as the "House of Mercy". During festivals, crowds of broken people—the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed—would gather there.
They were held captive by a superstition. They believed that when an angel stirred the water, the first person to enter the pool would be healed. This created a cycle of hope and hopelessness. There was one man who had been an invalid for 38 years.
Three decades is a lifetime of waiting. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, addiction, or a stalled career, waiting for "the waters to stir" often leads to frustration. As Scott Williams notes, we live in a culture that hates to wait; we get frustrated when our Uber Eats is late, let alone waiting 38 years for a miracle. Yet, this man remained on his mat until Jesus arrived and disrupted his dependency on the pool.
What Does John 5 Say About Why You Feel Stuck?
The man in John 5:1–15 had been lying beside the Pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years. Jesus walked past everyone else and stopped at him. Before He did anything, He asked one question: "Do you want to be healed?" The answer the man gave wasn't yes. It was a list of reasons why healing hadn't happened yet.
That exchange reveals two patterns that keep people stuck. Recognizing yours is the first step toward getting free.
1. You Are Stuck in the Same Circle
The Problem: The Greek word used in John 5:3 to describe the crowd at the pool means weak, powerless, and without strength. Environment shapes expectation more than most people realize.
The Shift: A growth circle looks like people pressing into their faith, speaking life, and moving forward. That kind of company pulls you in a direction, whether you intend it or not.
2. You Are Stuck on What You Can't Do
The Problem: When Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed, the man listed his limitations. No one to help him. Others always getting there first. His focus was entirely on the obstacle, not the opportunity standing in front of him.
The Shift: The external solution was never the point. The Savior was already there. The same is true now.
How do I overcome the fear of stepping out?
Fear is a major factor that keeps us glued to our mats. Guest Speaker Scott Williams shared a personal story about a trip to Turks and Caicos that perfectly illustrates this paralysis.
While vacationing, the resort owner invited Scott and his fiancée to go kayaking to a beautiful, uninhabited part of the island. Scott immediately internalized a list of excuses: he wasn't a strong swimmer, he feared the deep water, and he didn't want to drown.
However, once he got out on the water, the owner told him, "Don't worry about paddling, just ride the wave". Scott realized something profound in that moment:
"I had a kayak to carry me. I had paddles to move me. And I had a savior to save me".
Many families in are facing "deep waters"—perhaps financial struggle or marital difficulty. You have the tools you need. You have the "kayak" (God's provision) and the "paddles" (your ability to do the work). You simply need to stop making excuses and trust the Savior to handle the waves.
What is the difference between physical healing and spiritual wholeness?
There is a theological nuance in John 5 that is easy to miss. When Jesus asks, "Do you want to be healed?", the Greek word implied is not just about fixing a broken leg.
The word is hygiēs (pronounced similar to "Huggies"), which means "to be made whole".
Jesus wasn't just asking if the man wanted to walk; He was asking if he wanted to be free from the trauma of the last 38 years. You can be physically mobile but spiritually paralyzed.
To be made whole means addressing:
Hidden addictions .
Trauma that bleeds into your marriage.
Anxiety that prevents you from resting.
The "secret sins" no one else knows about.
Jesus sees past your condition—your past failures, your divorce, or your diagnosis—and sees you. He is interested in your future, not your history.
How can I start fresh right now?
The climax of the story in John 5 occurs in verse 8. Jesus commands the man: "Get up, take up your bed, and walk".
Notice the order. He didn't just walk away; he had to pick up the very thing that used to carry him. As Scott Williams explains, this was a way to put the world on notice. When the man stood up holding his mat, it was a testimony that his past no longer defined him.
Impact Church believes that what looked like a setback in your life is actually a setup for your success. The anxiety or depression that "carried" you for years is now something you can carry as a testimony of God's power.
If you are ready to get unstuck, you must make a move. You might need to block some people on social media, sever some toxic relationships, or simply commit to surrendering your life to Christ.
Do not let 2026 look exactly like 2025. Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk into the future God has for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Pool of Bethesda represents a place of "hope deferred," where people relied on superstition (stirring water) rather than God. In John 5, Jesus shows that true healing comes from His power, not from religious rituals or luck.
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As Scott Williams teaches, "If your neighborhood is stuck, generally you're out of luck". Being surrounded by people who are spiritually "lame" or "blind" (lacking vision and hope) can cause you to adopt their limitations and hinder your own breakthrough.
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Impact Church offers community and support for families feeling stuck. Through weekly services and small groups (Wednesday night Bible study), you can find a "circle" of believers dedicated to growth, mental wholeness, and biblical teaching.
To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, please visit our Giving page.
