We all reach moments in life where we feel stuck—hemmed in by fear, doubt, unanswered questions, or circumstances that seem impossible to overcome. These moments of impasse can be disorienting. We wonder where God is, or why He hasn’t moved yet. But Scripture reminds us that impasse is not the end of the story. In fact, it’s often the place where God does His most transformative work.

Psalm 43 opens with a cry: “Why must I go about mourning?” It’s a prayer from someone caught in a place of confusion, longing for God’s light and truth to break through. That cry echoes through this week’s readings—hearts caught in tension, people trapped in fear, and situations that seem beyond hope.

Exodus 14 brings us to a literal impasse: the Israelites, fresh out of Egypt, find themselves stuck between Pharaoh’s army and the sea. There is no visible way forward—until God makes one. The impasse becomes the place of miracle. In Haggai 2, the people are discouraged, worn out, and unimpressed by the present. Yet God speaks: “I am with you… The glory of this present house will be greater than the former.” Even in disappointment, He is doing something new.

Lamentations 4 and Psalm 53 give voice to deep sorrow and spiritual darkness. These are not sanitized prayers—they are full of lament, grief, and longing. And yet, these cries belong in the life of faith. They remind us that God welcomes our honesty, even when we feel lost.

In John 10, Jesus faces fierce opposition. His words provoke questions and conflict—He stands at the center of an impasse between belief and rejection. Likewise, James 4 confronts the inner battles that create impasse in our own souls: pride, selfishness, and a desire for control. The way forward, James says, is humility. “Submit yourselves to God… draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you.”

This week, if you find yourself at an impasse—externally or internally—know that you are not alone. The road may feel blocked, but God is not distant. He meets us at the wall, at the dead end, at the place where we’ve run out of strength. Impasse is not the end; it may be the very place where God begins something new.

Readings
Sun: Psalm 43
Mon: Exodus 14:1-19
Tues: Haggai 2:1-9
Wed: Psalm 53
Thurs: Lamentations 4
Fri: John 10:22-33
Sat: James 4:1-10