Stuck in the Cycle
I went through this cycle many times. You know the one: work hard, eat right, nothing changes and get back off track. The lack of progress was absolutely infuriating. Although I’m sure a large part was a lack of self-discipline to keep going when there seemed to be no results, I later found that there were other factors that were holding me back and I didn’t know it. Once those factors changed, I started making progress. Even the self-discipline it took to do things became easier.
Those moments taught me something important: sometimes the problem isn’t effort, it’s timing. We can give everything we have and still feel stuck. And when progress seems invisible, the temptation to give up becomes overwhelming. It’s in those plateaus that endurance is built — not in the moments when everything feels easy.
A few years ago, I was struggling with self-esteem issues. It was bad enough that it affected my relationship with the Lord. I had become convinced that when the Lord returns, instead of “Well done, good and faithful servant,” I would be met with a disappointed gaze, a sigh, and “Well…..”
The weight of that lie sat heavy on my heart. I felt like no matter what I did, I wasn’t enough — in fitness, in faith, or in life. It was only when I got away for a weekend conference that the Lord was able to change my perspective. Surrounded by His Word and the encouragement of other believers, I finally began to see myself the way He saw me: not as a failure in waiting, but as His beloved child in process.
The Truth About Transformation
Transformation is rarely immediate. Whether it’s in our health, our mindset, or our walk with Christ, growth happens gradually. That’s why Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Just like seeds planted in the ground, progress is often invisible for a long time. We water, we wait, and we wonder if anything is happening — until one day we see the evidence breaking through the surface. Fitness works the same way. You may not see changes in the mirror right away, but your body is being strengthened beneath the surface. And spiritually, every prayer, every act of obedience, and every moment of surrender is shaping your heart, even when you can’t see it yet.
Practical Tips for Trusting the Process
When the waiting feels long, it helps to shift how we measure progress. Instead of only looking for big results, pay attention to the quiet victories along the way.
- Celebrate consistency, not perfection. Did you show up today? That matters more than how fast or how perfect it looked.
- Notice non-scale victories. Are you stronger than you were last month? Sleeping better? Feeling more energy? These changes are just as important as numbers.
- Apply the same principle to your faith. Growth in Christ is about small, faithful steps: spending time in prayer, meditating on Scripture, serving others. Fruit takes time to grow, but every act of obedience matters.
The key is to remember that transformation isn’t a single moment — it’s a process of daily choices that add up over time.
Faith & Encouragement
Looking back, I can see how God was working even in the seasons I felt stuck. The fitness plateaus, the struggles with self-discipline, and the lies I believed about my worth — all of them became opportunities for Him to reshape me.
The truth is, God is often doing His deepest work in the hidden places. Just because we can’t see progress doesn’t mean He isn’t moving. Just as the body adapts and grows stronger slowly, the Spirit transforms us steadily into Christ’s likeness. What feels like waiting is often preparation for the harvest to come.
Reflection & Call to Action
If you’re in a season where transformation feels slow, don’t give up. God is still working, and every faithful step counts.
Reflection Question: What area of your life — fitness, mental health, or faith — are you tempted to give up on because you can’t see results yet?
Write it down, pray over it, and take one small step today. Remember: transformation takes time, but the harvest is worth the wait.
Girded with Strength Fitness 
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