Finding Purpose When You Feel Stuck in a Lull - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - August 3, 2026

Audio By Carbonatix

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:4-5 NIV

Have you ever found yourself in a season where life is moving, but you don’t feel like you’re actually moving forward? Your days might be filled with work, family, volunteering, and hobbies, but deep down, you feel unfulfilled as your sense of purpose gets lost in the busyness of your roles and responsibilities. You may sense there’s something more God is nudging you toward, yet you keep doing what you’ve been doing because you don’t know what it is. Maybe some pieces of your life aren’t going the way you expected, and you feel stuck between where you are and where you think you should be. Or you might be going through something hard, leaving little time or energy to think about anything other than simply making it through the day, so the rest of your life feels on hold.

You may be waiting on God or finally slowing down after pushing to keep up with everything for so long, and you’re in limbo without a clear direction about what’s next. You feel stuck in a lull, trying to find purpose during a season where you still don’t have the clarity and direction you’re seeking. And you may be starting to wonder if you’re missing something or falling behind, and whether you’re truly producing meaningful fruit in your life.

When we’re in a lull, we often begin to search for purpose or question our sense of purpose because we see little to no fruit on the outside. We then feel as if we’re just going through the motions of life without growing, moving forward, or contributing in a significant way. We often define purpose by what we do and the fruit that comes from it, sometimes hoping to see it become visible, grow into something bigger, or reach many people. But the words of Jesus in John 15 remind us that the fruit we are meant to bear is not only about what we do but also about who we are becoming as we remain in Him. Because He is the vine and we are the branches connected to Him, our purpose in any given season is found as we remain in Jesus. We can trust Him to reveal what He wants to grow within us and through us, guiding our next step without us needing all the answers.

To remain in Him means to stay close to Him, seeking, listening, and responding faithfully to His gentle leading. In this surrendered posture before Jesus, we will begin finding purpose in this slow season. Our purpose is not something we lose or lack during life's lulls. It is in these very times that He invites us to look to Him for the purpose He has for us. One practice to help you find your purpose in a lull is simply to ask Jesus, “What is my purpose right now?” You can begin to discern His purpose for you by praying, reading Scripture, and reflecting. What is God impressing upon your heart? How is the Spirit leading you? Where do you sense a prompting that you can’t ignore, or a way to serve that naturally fits your season, gifts, strengths, passions, or life lessons?

• Your purpose may be unseen, as God shapes you in becoming more of the person He created you to be. He may teach you to trust Him more deeply or embody His character more fully.
• Your purpose may seem small, such as starting a new habit or taking a simple step of faith. He might be preparing you or shifting your path toward something He will call you to later.
• Your purpose may not reach many people at once, but it might touch the heart of one person right in front of you through a single act of love. It may impact their life more than you know, creating a ripple effect you never imagined.

Remaining in Jesus and responding to what you sense He is asking of you can bring  clear direction where you are drifting and inner peace where you feel pressure. Finding your purpose when you feel stuck in a lull begins with remaining in Jesus, asking for His wisdom, and answering His call right where you are.

Let's pray ...

Lord,
In this time of uncertainty, restlessness, and slowness, draw me closer to You and reveal Your purpose for me in this season. Teach me to remain in You even when I feel disconnected, distracted, or discouraged. Help me release my own expectations and rest in the plan You have for me right where I am. Jesus, I trust You and surrender my will to Yours so that I may find purpose in You, become more of who You want me to be, and do all that You are calling me to do in Your time.
Amen.

What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Larm Rmah

Arris Charles is a Life Purpose Coach, writer, and speaker passionate about helping Christian women in midlife gain clarity of their true identity and God-given purpose so they can live with more passion, confidence, and impact. Her blog and resources blend Biblical insights with practical actions to support women to become and fulfill all God purposed for them.

Connect with Arris on her website, https://liveinspiredbypurpose.com/, or through Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube.

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