Three Reasons We Get Stuck
-An exclusive excerpt from Allen’s new book-
I regularly speak to—and coach—creatives from every industry. I’ve had thousands of these conversations over the decades. And as diverse as these creators are, many find themselves stuck in some of the same ways.
If you’re in a stuck place, I want to offer hope by shining light on three sticky situations that can seem insurmountable—and how you can counter them.
Possibility 1: You Believe Everything’s up to You.
You’re busy trying to make things happen in your own strength based on your plans. God gave you the brains and strength, so it’s up to you now to get things done. The problem is things aren’t happening, God seems absent, and you are worn out.
Counter This One by Changing Your Perception of God.
He’s not a distant, irritable boss you must please or avoid. Ask God to show you his unconditional love for you as you enter the workspace with him.
Possibility 2: You Try to Create with God, But Nothing Happens.
You deeply want to create with God but have no idea what that means or why it isn’t working. You pray before you start. You’ve memorized Bible verses. But if you’re honest, you’re doing things for God more than with him.
Counter This One by Changing Your Perception of Yourself.
You can love God and still live as an orphan. You know he’s your Father, but you have no idea how to live as his son or daughter. If this is you, ask God to Father you. Doing things for God isn’t the same as being with God in your pursuits. Knowing about God isn’t the same as knowing him intimately.
Possibility 3: Creating with God Is Too Much.
As you actively create with God, you’re experiencing an insane amount of chaos around finances, health, broken vehicles, relational tension, and more. It’s all a bit much. Whether God doesn’t have your back or you’re just blowing it, you’re about to quit.
Counter This One by Changing Your Perception of Who’s to Blame.
We forget that kingdom work is spiritually opposed. We have an enemy who’s out to steal, kill, and destroy. Rather than blame yourself or God, draw near to God, resist the enemy, and he will flee (James 4:7).
God wants you to be free and create in freedom. Don’t settle for being stuck.
(From The Creativity Glitch: How to Stop Being Stuck, Find Your Groove, & Create with God.Copyright © 2026 Allen Arnold.)
This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).
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