Comments

HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

RachelAllison
Hmm... coasting?
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 9:08 am
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Coasting... huh? I suppose when you say coasting it makes me think of a biker, relaxing his legs as he allows the bike to carry him down a hill. If we're using that example, I wouldn't say I've done much coasting lately, as the past year of my life has felt more like biking up a hill - and a very steep one, for that matter.
However, I also think of coasting as walking through life as though you could care less. Or perhaps as though you're bored with this part of your life and you're simply waiting for something exciting to come along. In some ways, I'm there right now. Mostly because I'm waiting for the day when this long trial ("biking up hill") will be done with. But at the same time, I'm not walking through life as though I don't care, (although some days it's hard not to feel that way).... I suppose my problem is that I'm feeling a little "numb" from some of the constant pain of my suffering... so perhaps I'm still pedaling hard, I just can't feel my feet anymore. But God knows when this is to end and, as Lindsey stated yesterday, "In your best moments and your worst, your hands aren't keeping you from falling. That's His concern—and His hands are more than capable."
Blessings, Paula! And thanks for the post! <3
Rebecca
coasting
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 9:37 am
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Ah you're so pretty! Congrats on your phone ;)
I had to write all your q's down so I wouldn't forget any!

Is it possible to follow Jesus and coast?
I don't think so. Because I think that if you're coasting you're not really moving forward and if you're not moving forward you're going backwards. I think Christianity is an everyday forward moving kind of thing.

What does it look like to coast?
I think coasting is when we just kind of go "you know, last week was pretty tough so this week I'm just gonna take a break from pushing forward and just chill"

Am I coasting? Not right now. :)
Do I coast? YES! It's not good but sometimes just overcoming so much stuff from my past can have so much effort and so much stuff to push through and while dealing with it having to deal with the negative thoughts that come as I'm trying to work through it frustrating and overwhelming so I try to allow myself a "breather".

What was the result? I always end up going backwards and then having to make up what I just stopped for along with what I was already working on. It just makes everything more difficult.

Does God have anything to say about coasting? 2 Samuel 7:6
I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling.

If we're moving, we're not coasting. :)

Thanks so much, Paula! btw I'm a very inquisitive person too haha
Nichole
Coasting
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 9:54 am
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I would say right now that I'm just coasting through life. I can't say it's a good thing, because it's a constant struggle just to be ok with each day as it goes by. I'm a senior in high school and am facing a lot of difficult choices, and in not knowing what to do or say I'm just coasting through it. Hoping God works things out because I just have no idea. So is it a bad thing to just coast through life? I really don't know. This is what I'm hoping to figure out.
Vaughna Allen
Re: Coasting
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 11:21 am
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No you cannot coast in Christ. Demas coasted and shipwrecked his faith (2Tim 4). We are called to paddle against the current of the world-- if we do not we get sucked in and lost in the current of the world's pull. We, naturally born sinners tend to gravitate to sin if we are not actively pursuing the Holiness of God. Holy is "Set Apart" Set apart from sin set apart to God. It is possible to shipwreck your faith (1 Tim 1:19) and become useless in this world for the Lord. We must live purposefully for Jesus. Daniel was just a young man when he "purposed in his heart" not to defile himself with the king's meat. (Dan 1:8) It is of utmost importance that we purpose in our hearts--resolve-- that we will not be defiled by the draw of this self seeking world. It is possible to shipwreck your faith by coasting. Purpose to live for Jesus!
kim
coasting through life
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 1:03 pm
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hey i have had this feeling for a while now. A routine. i wake up take a shower, go to school, go home, watch tv, go to bed, and do the same thing the next morning! and i HATE it. Can somebody give me spiritual advice as to how i can get out of this rut? i've been debating whether to look to God or not. but get this, i'm afraid my parents will see me. I know that's pretty pathetic considering my parents are 100% christians. but i really need advice here! Please help me get that fire i had for the Lord back!
Laura
Very Possible
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 2:06 pm
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Hmmm...I definitely think it is very possible to coast through life and be a Christian, but not the kind I think God has in mind for us. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but I don't think that once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we're supposed to stop there. God doesn't want us to live a life that's just...dull and boring. He created us so that we might worship Him in all that we say and do! I think that if we coast by this life, we're missing a million different opportunities to surrender ourselves to God and seeing what amazing beauty can shine through us, when we let God shine!

As of right now, I can say that I coast through life. There have been a lot of struggles in my life these past several years, that I think I have gotten to the point where I just want it easy now. Often I find myself crying out to God, "Can't you make this easier? Can you at least give me some relief?" Actually, I know I'm at that point and can't really seem to find a way past my pain.

So anyway...I think through prayer, faith and obedience, we can find our way out of that mess of just coasting through this life. We just have to be willing to get out of the drivers seat and say, "You know what God, you're definitely better at driving than I am. You take the wheel now!" I guarantee you, He'll be happy to drive :)

Praying for you all!
Chocolate
There's a Difference
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 3:30 pm
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liked the post, Paula!

I think there are 2 different sides 2 this. It isn't good 2 "wonder aimlessly" in your life, but there is a place where we lean on Jesus and "cast our cares upon him because he cares 4 us."
Anyway, just a few of my thoughts.=)
kim
thanks
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 3:50 pm
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hey thanks laura. also my ex i really need to pray about that. i find myself still looking at him out of the corner of my eyes and for some reason that bugs me. any advice?
Ady Petri
Probably Not..
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 6:28 pm
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So personally the word "coasting" sounds like its trying to say a person is going through life without any difficulties at all.
And its ok, to sometimes have good times in life, BUT i think that "coasting" is not exactly what a christian should do....if a person is a true christian, he will always always have trials and tests and hard times come his way, just because satan never stops bugging you! your a christian on the way to heaven, so satan wants to distroy you. So hes gonna bombard you with things all day everyday.
Which is why i believe we as christians should not be "coasting" through life, but "fighting the good fight." and resisting any temptations that come. I hope this makes sence! (:
Lucy
Ruts/Coasting thru life
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 8:13 pm
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Kim---about 40 years ago I was your age,
and unlike you, I wasn't too concerned about "coasting through life" as a young new Christian. I was 16.

I went through the motions for the following 20 years, but got stuck in ruts, even though most of the time I was doing the right things....but things went awry because I wasn't consistent in my time with the Lord and there were times that my priorities weren't right and I was too busy raising kids, doing volunteer work, etc. that I fell short in the above areas.

Everything started changing in the last 20 years--but it came by going through the crucible at a time that I was faced with many storms in my life:
troubled marriage, deaths and serious illnesses of family members, surgery, troubled teens, big financial problems, etc.

During the most difficult and dark hours I was immersed in much prayer, meditation, and then God's saints came alongside me--I've gotten through the deep valleys and the Lord has been gracious and gave me a "peace that passeth all understanding". Looking back, I can see that I should've gotten over "coasting" much earlier than I did----like at your age.

Kim---even on days when you don't feel like it--pray for guidance and wisdom. If the words don't come easily, pray the Psalms, starting with the deeply personal ones and make them "your prayer".
Also, find Christian teens and adults that you look up to, and yes, your parents too, and start having "koinonia" with them---true fellowship where you encourage each other. Look for a godly woman to mentor you, but I'd look to your parents first.

I remember young, vibrant Christians from my high school days---I remember them better than the other kids I knew at school
because of their living testimony. All these years later, and I can clearly see their faces and remember their names, and their good cheer and godliness.

Looking back, I'm so glad that I came to know the Lord at 16, despite the coasting years, because my father who I loved so much died 3 years after I finished high school. My relationship with him was beautiful in those last years because Jesus was now in my heart.

Kim, praise God daily for His goodness and grace, and for your parents---in meditation, in prayers, and in song. Thank you for your openness. The Lord be with you Kim.
Gods Jewel
Coasting through life..
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 8:34 pm
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I loved the new smart-phone post you did!

It gave me something to think about...I know that I have coasted through life in the past years, and sometimes I would ask God where he had gone..but I realized that I had been the one not walking with him..
I don't think that God wants us to coast through life..
If coasting means with "little effort", I think God wants the opposite...he wants us to put all our effort into living for him in this life..

An author by the name of Leslie Ludy has written books that were very helpful..they made me want to be a true christian giving everything to God and doing everything for him..

well. God Bless everyone..
have fun at the conference Hannah!
Gods Jewel
.....
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 8:38 pm
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sorry..I mean Paula..lol
Rebecca
Re:
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 9:09 pm
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Okay, I should probably like re-do part of my first answer. It's not that you can't be a Christian and be coasting but like Laura said it's not the kind of life God has in mind for us. So just not a forward-moving Christian was what I was thinking. :)
SWF
yep, that's me
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 9:30 pm
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Yep, I'm so coasting...trying to overcome habitual sin is SO hard when you're 'coasting'. HOW do you stop and start pushing and stay out of the rut??
Mikayla
Coasting
on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 11:11 pm
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Hey Paula! This was a really good wake-up call. It's so easy to look at the present and not remember where we're going and what we're supposed to be doing. We need to overflow with love for Christ. Matthew 16:25 says, "For whoever desires to save his soul will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Our love for Christ makes it easier to lose our life.
Seek Christ with all you have. It really is worth it!
Blessings,
Mikayla
Heidi
Re:
on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 2:59 pm
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I'm in the same boat as Rachel Allison.
Sarah
Coasting
on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 6:06 pm
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Hey all,
this was a really good post. Sometimes I get this feeling like life is passing me by. I see my friends move on to the boyfriend stage and i notice them changing. I agree with you Laura. That just coasting through life is'nt what God wants for us.I too have been struggling. When my grandfatherpassed away it was had for me to get back into the swing of thimgs.Memories would overpower me to where i wanted to cry but couldnt. After his death i felt like i was just coasting through life. like it was one day after another with no meaning. This article woke me up. That God has better things in store for than just "coasting". I still miss him and the memories may come but with Gods help I'm not coasting anymore. I'ts like I've found my peace. Please Pray for me that I would'nt just coast through life. Also that i get over with the grief and move on and that I stay strong. I get going through life and forget to thank the one who made the day. Thanks for praying for me.
Love in Christ
Sarah
Alana
Re; Coasting Through Life
on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 10:50 pm
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Hi Kim,
I must admit, I've in the same boat as you have. I've got a challenge I'm still compleating for a week. Instead of watching TV, I'll spend that time with God. Also I recommend John McArther's Strength For Today devotional a daily's reading for a deeper faith. Also it takes some effort, so make a appointment with God, like you would with a doctor, and with a doctor's appointment, you try very hard not to miss it as it is so important! So make your appointment with God important, and find a time that suits, before bed, or after a shower. Pray, talk to God about it, he knows.

I Hope that helps
I'll be praying for you :-)
laci
I can relate!!
on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 11:49 pm
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Going through life and "coasting" is such a big part in my life and I don't want it to be!! it's a real challenge God had given to me to be a strong Chritian in a public school some days I wish I didn't know God but 98% of the time i am so glad i do,and i know the truth about Him. He is such a true blessing in my life, please pray for me as I will for all of you, for God to give you courage, strength,patience, and love instead of resisting those challenges embrace them, we have no idea where they'll lead unless we take that"unkown road" and find what's at the end, praying for you and loving you all,
have a very blessed night to all of you!!
Laci
Lydia
Re:
on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 12:53 am
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This reminds me of that song "The Motions" by Matthew West... when I think of "coasting", I think of a sort of laziness, resignation, a little apathetic I guess. While we're actually SUPPOSED to "rest", that's different to me than coasting... I think that while you can certainly be a Christian and coast, that doesn't seem like God's plan for us. I really think if we want to be in an active, living relationship with Him, coasting is not an option.
teetee
coasting... coasting... still coasting...
on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 4:50 am
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Now the big question...

What do you do about coasting???

I really would appreciate anyone sharing their thoughts! thanks
Joy
Coasting
on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 7:45 am
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I guess it depends on what you mean by "coasting".

When I first came to faith, I had to walk through several very deep and dark valleys - persecution, mockery, loneliness - and at some point it was so hard that I began to coast in the first sense: the sense I see many people in the comments are using, that of just having enough of it, being listless, just living your life. In this sense, coasting is most definitely wrong. The Lord calls us to be active in our pursuit of holiness, and love is a verb.

Because of my struggles - many of which I still have to face daily - I have learned to stop coasting in the first sense. Giving up, living in "whatever"-land, is not an option. Through my struggles, I have been driven close to the Lord, in frequent prayer, meditation, and praise. This has taught me to "coast" in a different sense: leaning on Jesus, letting Him carry my load, trusting Him to lead me right. This is biblical coasting. We are called to put our faith in Jesus - and faith is not a working of ourselves up to believing. It's simply a letting go of oneself, and letting God be in charge - grace is a gift, and our only job is to receive it, even as we pursue holiness and love.

Paul sets a perfect example of this. In perils often, he did not "coast" in the sense that he just walked his walk. To the contrary, he actively pursued holiness and always urged others to do the same, both by his words and his example. But in the other sense, he did coast: he was not worried or afraid, because he knew God in His lovingkindness was in charge, and he led Him lead. We are called to the same.
Joy
Kim
on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 7:50 am
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Kim, I am praying for you. Thank you for sharing.

Are you in a rut because of your break-up? Whatever it is, Kim, I know how easy it is when we face difficulties to shut life out and simply exist. I see that you want to get out of that, though. The only way to get out of it, is through taking it to God. Also, don't hesitate to take it to your parents. You are blessed with parents who believe and know the Word - they are given to you by God to help you and guide you. Be in prayer often; read your Bible daily and begin each reading asking the Spirit to give you understanding and to speak to you; seek true fellowship; in everything, always, give thanks.

I pray for you, dear girl. May the God of all grace guide you as you seek to follow Him and fall in love with Him.
RachelAllison
@Joy
on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 3:54 pm
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I completely agree! I think you have put this into some very well spoken (typed! lol) words. <3 ;)
Joy
RachelAllison
on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 4:46 pm
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Lol, thanks. =) I'm so grateful for the opportunity LYWB provides at once to think, to be encouraged, to encourage others, to be challenged, to pray for others, to minister and be ministered to, and to bless and be blessed - all the time. This is good.
Mary
Re:
on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 6:54 pm
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No, I don't think it's possible to coast through life as a Christian. Because, if we just sail through life without any effort, we are going to get pulled backwards by the pull of the world. I would say that I am most definitely not coasting right now. We are getting ready for a move right in the middle of sophomore year. I have lived here (in Texas) for eight years. It has raised a lot of "why"s in my mind, but god is giving me the strength to keep pedaling up higher and higher, and I can't wait to see what's at the top!
Maddy
In Response To Kim
on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 4:21 pm
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Hey Kim, I definitely hear where you're coming from. I have gone through those type of seasons myself. Just my thoughts:Try switching things up. You said you do those things every day. Get involved with something-maybe a small group or helping out somewhere. Focusing on other people really can take our eyes off ourselves and our situation. Also, instead of watching tv, try some activity like walking or trying a new hobby can help. Sometimes we just need to spice things up a bit and get out of routines. Hope that helps!
Skatergirl
Re:
on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 8:14 pm
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I really don't think you can have a good relationship with Jesus, and coast through life. Sometimes we have to make hard decisions in order to make the right move that would please God.
Taylor
Christians are still human.
on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 10:16 pm
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Coasting and living are clearly two different things. When I think of coasting and the way you talked about it, I'm thinking you're talking more like almost being lazy in our Christian walk. Coming to a point where life is comfortable. I think the "church answer" is to say that Christians aren't allowed to be comfortable and that it isn't possible for us to simply coast through life. But realistically, I think it's safe to say that many Christians struggle with this here topic. Some might attempt to hide it while others might be more open and honest. As Christians we are human. Period. We are open to temptation and open to sin. Just as a Christian can fall and stumble, I think it is possible for us to become comfortable with our walk. It just comes down to how long we can live like it and how uncomfortable being comfortable makes us. Christians can become tired but God convicts the heart in ways unimaginable. Even if you coast, you surely won't be coasting for long. Not if Jesus lives in your heart.
Em
coasting...
on Friday, November 11, 2011 at 10:08 am
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Coasting implies the lack of a persuit. It's a state of being complacient or even apathetic about the goal, and more interested in the actual ride. I think that in the world's standards, this is a good thing. To coast through life, enjoy yourself, only strive when you have to, but slow down and enjoy life. The thing is, that we are living in a fallen world, and if we are not consistently striving towards a relationship with Christ, we are falling back into our own sinful desires and worldly temptations. This being said, I think that it is necessary for us to take moments in life to rest from serving, and take some relaxing moments, but our relationship with God should be a constant pressing forward. In Romans, Paul refers to life as a race, don't stop racing, keep pedaling towards Christ. That is the goal!
Jenny
Coasting or making the most off...
on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 7:08 pm
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I think on this great adventure we are on with God he wants us to enjoy life, rejoice in the good/bad and the ugly whatever life throws at us we must give thanks. Sometimes when its the bad and the ugly stuff we tend to coast because everyday is a daily struggle. Every day takes a life time to get through, but do we give up? No of course becuase Jesus didnt give up on the Cross...so why should we!! Coasting is a choice...but chosing to live in Christs Freedom and love is the other choice. If Life is boring and dull then we have to do something about that... God helps those who help themselves. If you dislike your job pray that God helps you to find your calling. Becareful not to run away from situations that you may find uneasy...as that is just copping out. Just becuase your situation seems dire hope is never lost because Jesus Saves!!Never Coast ...make the most and our father will bless that!!xxx
Adonica
pHbIxSUwuU
on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 6:38 am
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And I was just woendnrig about that too!
num83ers
Re:
on Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 7:53 pm
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Does anyone have any ideas on how to live a full, God honoring life-even when it seems like you're not going anywhere for awhile? There are things this year-and for the remaining years of my life that I'd like to do:
1)I want to have everyone around me feel appreciated. I want them to know how grateful I am to have them in my life.
2)I would like to share the love of God with everyone I can. Love can change everything.
3)If I were to die very soon, I want to make sure I've done everything that God would want me to do. So I don't want to miss anything.
4)I want to stay strong in my faith-even when it is being tested.
5)When in doubt or in hardship, I want to be able to think:What would Jesus do so I can get through it without unnecessary evil.
Is there anything that anyone can suggest or add on to?
Carrie, with the LYWB team
@ num83ers
on Monday, January 28, 2013 at 10:23 am
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I love your desire to walk closely with Jesus each day, friend; to love Him and those He places in your path is indeed His desire for you ( Luke 10:27).

Staying in His Word daily is vital to maintaining and fleshing out that desire. Think much each day about Jesus , friend. About what He has done for you; about what He says is true of those who belong to Him.
num83ers
Re:
on Friday, February 1, 2013 at 8:45 pm
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thanks:)