Go! And Be Refreshed: Stuck, Stagnant Or Spiritually Dry? Series

Go! And Be Refreshed: Stuck, Stagnant or Spiritually Dry?

Introduction: Are You Stuck, Stagnant or Spiritually Dry?

It is a joy and privilege to bring God’s Word to you today.

Let me begin by asking you something very personal: Have you ever felt spiritually stuck?

Ever felt like you’re treading water in your walk with God?

Have you experienced dryness in your soul — like you’re in a spiritual desert with no refreshment?

If that's you — or if it’s ever been you — then today's message is for you.

The Lord wants you to Go! And Move from Stuck, Stagnant or Spiritually Dry… to Spirit-Filled and Fruitful.

Let us begin by reading our main text, from the prophet Isaiah:

Isaiah 44:3 (NLT): "For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children."

Isaiah spoke to a people who had experienced exile, judgment, and distance from God — yet he proclaims a prophetic promise of refreshing, revival, and restoration.

In the Hebrew, the word for “pour out” is ??????? (shaphak) – it speaks of a lavish, abundant outpouring, like a torrent of water gushing over a dry land.

“Parched fields” speak of fruitlessness, of unproductive spiritual seasons.

But God promises transformation: dryness will become fertility.

This is not just about water — it's about the Spirit.

The outpouring of water and Spirit is God's sovereign work — but it comes to those who thirst.

Just like the land needs rain, our souls need the Spirit.

1. God Knows When You’re Dry — and He Provides Living Water

John 7:37–39 (NLT): "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him…)"

Jesus cries out in the middle of the Feast of Tabernacles — a moment rich in symbolism. This feast celebrated God’s provision in the wilderness, where He gave Israel water from a rock. Now Jesus says: I am the source of that water.

In Greek, the word “living water” is ?d?? ??? (hydor zon) – not stagnant water, not stale religion, but flowing, vibrant, life-giving Spirit.

If you feel spiritually dry, come to Jesus. Not to religion. Not to rules. Not even to rituals.Come to Jesus and drink.

Max Lucado once said, "God never said the journey would be easy, but He did say the arrival would be worthwhile."In dry seasons, we must remember that God does not abandon us — He offers refreshment for the journey.

A dry sponge soaks up water instantly, softening and expanding. That’s what happens to us when we let the Spirit saturate our dry hearts. We are transformed.

2. Stuck: When Forward Movement Ceases

You may be attending church, reading the Bible occasionally, even praying — but inside you feel like you're not growing.

Exodus 14:15 (NLT): "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!'"

Israel was trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. God had already delivered them — yet they panicked.God’s word to Moses was direct: “Get moving!”

When you’re stuck — you don’t need more fear, more excuses, or even more delay —

You need a step of faith.

Charles Stanley said, "Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him."

That’s a word for someone today. Take the next step. Move. Trust. Obey.

3. Stagnant: When Growth Stops But Motion Remains

You might be serving or ministering, but not thriving.You’re like a pond with no fresh inflow — the water may look fine on the surface, but underneath… decay begins.

Revelation 3:15–16 (NLT): "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold... But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!"

“Lukewarm” in Greek is ???a??? (chliaros) — tepid, tasteless, unappealing.

Jesus addresses the Laodicean church — wealthy, self-sufficient, yet spiritually useless.

Jesus wants hot hearts or refreshing lives — not half-hearted Christianity.

Stagnation is dangerous because it feels comfortable. But comfort can kill your calling.

Tim Keller said, "You don’t really know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have."Sometimes God allows stagnancy to show us we’re trying to live without the Living Water.

4. Spiritually Dry: When the Soul is Parched

This is more than stuck or stagnant — this is dehydration of the soul.

Psalm 63:1 (NLT): "O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you.My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for youin this parched and weary land where there is no water."