Most believers do not drift away from Jesus all at once.
It usually happens slowly.
Most Drift Happens Slowly
A missed morning in the Word becomes a week.
A distracted prayer life becomes normal.
A busy season becomes an excuse.
A little compromise becomes easier to tolerate.
A heart that once felt tender toward God starts feeling dull.
And then one day, you realize something has changed.
You still believe.
You still know the right answers.
You may still go to church, listen to sermons, and say the right things.
But inside, you know you are not abiding like you once were.
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
— John 15:4
If you’ve felt spiritually stuck lately, this is for you.
The Danger of Overcomplicating Return
When we feel spiritually stuck, one of the biggest temptations is to overcomplicate the way back.
We think we need the perfect Bible reading plan.
The perfect morning routine.
The perfect journal.
The perfect emotional moment.
The perfect level of motivation.
But often, what we need most is much simpler.
We need to open the Word.
We need to pray honestly.
We need to confess what has drifted.
We need to turn our attention back to Christ.
We need to take one obedient step.
Not ten steps.
One.
Trade hiding for honesty.
Trade performance for dependence.
Trade shame for repentance.
Trade distraction for attention.
Trade spiritual drift for daily abiding.
Trade “I need to fix myself first” for “Lord, I need You now.”
A 10-minute practice for tomorrow morning
Read John 15:1–11 slowly.
Pray honestly: “Lord Jesus, I have drifted in ways I can see and probably in ways I cannot see. Bring my heart back to You. Teach me to abide again.”
Choose one small act of obedience today.
If you feel spiritually stuck, I created a simple guide to help you begin returning to daily life with Jesus.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, I confess that I am prone to drift. My attention wanders, my heart grows distracted, and I often try to produce fruit in my own strength.
Draw me back to Yourself.
Teach me to abide again. Help me return to Your Word, depend on Your grace, and walk with You in simple obedience today.
Where there is shame, remind me of Your mercy.
Where there is dryness, renew my hunger.
Where there is distraction, restore my attention.
Where there is distance, lead me back into nearness.
Jesus, You are the true Vine. Apart from You I can do nothing.
Help me remain in You today.
Amen.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jeff
© 2026 Jeff Sosebee. All rights reserved.