Are you in a rut in life or even worse – in a pit?

One of my favorite writings is 'An Autobiography in 5 Chapters by Portia Nelson' because it relates to how we practice addictive behaviors:

Ch. 1

“I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Ch. 2

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn't my fault.
It still takes me a long time to get out.

Ch. 3

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in. It's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault. I get out immediately.

Ch. 4

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Ch. 5

I walk down another street.”

Many people get stuck living out Chapters 2 or 3. They keep falling into the same old pits.

We all fall into pits in life at times. That is not the problem.

The problem comes when we don't get out.

That's the point. Once we recognize we are in a pit, we are responsible for seeking the way out - and taking it.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter if someone threw you into the pit (like Joseph in Genesis 37) or if you put yourself into the pit.

What matters is that make up your mind to get out because you don't belong there.

Unfortunately, some try to make the pit, their home. They believe the lie that they are meant to live in the pits. So they decide to settle and get comfortable.

But that is not the best God has for you. He never intended for His people to live in dark pits:

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life (John 8:12)."

And in another place, He says:

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16)."

Our purpose as Believers in Christ is to serve as a light to others. So if one of us chooses to live in darkness, then the kingdom is a dim in that one place, affecting those who reside near it.

So what are some steps to take to get out of a pit?