Be Still. (Even When It is Hard)
- Kelly Price
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Recently during our Masterclass, I asked John Maxwell a question that’s been heavy on my heart:
“If you are at a plateau — in a time of being still — and nothing is calling to you, how do you find the next level?”
His answer hit home.
John said, “There is nothing wrong with plateauing for assimilation.” He explained that growth isn’t a steady climb. You grow, then you plateau. Not to quit, but to catch up. To rest. To think. To reflect. You don’t plateau to stay. You plateau to prepare.
Then he shared something that made him laugh at himself — because he’s been there too. He said, “I’ve been in that place where nothing was happening, and in my impatience, I decided I would help God make things happen. I’d get a list of things He might not have thought of and start working on them. But I found out I didn’t help Him… and I didn’t help me.”
I laughed. I’ve done that too — pushing when God said wait, forcing when He said trust.
John went on, “If you’re in a plateau and haven’t heard, it’s because you’re not ready to hear. Don’t get off the operating table before the surgery is done. When you don’t know, don’t go. Just wait. In due time, He speaks. He directs.”
Then he said the part that’s been helping me ever since:“You aren’t waiting because you’re lazy or because you don’t want to do something. You’re waiting because you’re being prepared for a higher assignment — one that takes time.”
I needed that reminder. Maybe you do too.
I’ll be honest. I’m STRUGGLING with the stillness. Waiting is hard. Being still is harder. I can’t sleep. That’s never been me. Even in my most stressful seasons, I could always sleep. Now, with nothing pressing on my mind, I lie awake. My body feels uneasy, almost like there’s pent-up energy with nowhere to go — no clear direction.
And yet, I know this is the season I’m called to. No decisions. No projects. No major purchases. No missions. Just BE STILL. Wait. Listen. Reflect. Journal.
And maybe… learn to enjoy it (as John told me).
Because as John reminded me…God’s timing isn’t off. He’s not behind schedule. He’s simply preparing me — and maybe you — for something higher. Something that takes time.
So I’m learning to sit in the stillness, trust the process, and believe that even when nothing seems to be happening…something BIG is. Just BE STILL and ENJOY the process.
If you would like a copy of any of the devotionals or books I reference, please request one below, and I would be honored to send you one. Please reference the title of the post/devotional to ensure I send you the correct devotional/author. See my mission in the "About Me" link.
So true, what a great lesson. Thanks for sharing