Many times, we would harvest rice when the field was less than ideal. No one was exempt from getting stuck, but an experienced driver knew when to stop. All the equipment had very large tires with lugs designed to grip the soil. If the tractor or combine was moving it was great, but when the tires began to spin things happened fast. There is a fine line between being able to spin your way out and burying the equipment.

I remember one morning we had several tractors, and a combine hooked together to get one combine out of the mud. It’s kind of fun, “boys still like to play in the mud” but it is a time distraction from the harvest. It was my pride that caused me to think, “I’m good… I can do this myself.” It was when the tractor began to sink that I reached out for help. But not everyone in the field can help. It takes a power source, on solid ground, with a strong chain to do the job.

Life is like this. Sin, soft spots and poor choices cause all of us to get stuck. It’s pride that causes us to keep spinning and getting deeper in the mud. We deny there is a problem, but we are not fooling God nor the people who know us. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

So, what’s the way out? What is God’s Way to get unstuck? The answer is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Step 1. Accept the fact that you are stuck and stop spinning your wheels. “…if my people, who are called by my name,”

• “Help me, Lord my God; save me according to your unfailing love.”  Psalm 109:26
• “The woman came and knelt before Him (Jesus). “Lord, help me!” she said.” Matthew 15:25

Step 2. Accept your total responsibility and Repent. “will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,”

• “Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent?” Job 34:33 Repentance is taking full responsibility for the situation and committing to take a new way or direction under the authority of Jesus.

Step 3. Accept & Trust that only Jesus has the Authority & Power. “then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

• “I can do all this through Him (Jesus) who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Jesus knows there are soft spots in our field. He knows we will get stuck. But listen to the Master of the Farm, “In this world you will have trouble.” Now let His words sink deep into your heart, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Think about it! Jesus not only has the desire, but He also has the power to pull each of us out of the mire of life. He gives us the choice, “Follow me.” “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12. Then in John 12:26, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

Jesus has called “ALL” of His followers to the field. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19

So, what are you going to do?