The In-Between Place

Last updated on: January 5, 2021 at 12:15 pm by Kelley Mathews

The In-Between Place 2021-01-05T12:15:54-06:00 Kelley Mathews

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone who feels like they’re stuck in life?

I would say to be brave enough to ask hard questions about your situation and accept the truth you learn in the process. I see this modeled in the Samaritan woman’s life. Like any religious Samaritan, the woman at the well anticipated Moses would come back and prove the temple belonged on Mount Gerizim, but she knew there were arguments between her people and the Jews about who was right about the prophecies describing a Messiah. What I find fascinating is that right after the moment she realized she was talking to a prophet, someone who knew about her struggle to survive without any mention from her, she asked Jesus to confirm or deny her faith.

Think about the implications of his answer: he would affirm that worship was supposed to be either on Mount Gerizim or in Jerusalem. His correction would have a profound destabilizing effect on the only faith she’d ever known. She asked anyway. She had the guts to ask a deep, hard question that would determine how she worshiped God and whether she was worshiping the one true God or a fake.

If you feel stuck in life, it might be tempting to wallow in your circumstances or lose your curiosity because you are just plain tired. But now is the time to dig deep and ask probing questions that could lead to truth—truth about yourself and your in-between place.

You say in the book that some of the “most meaningful moments in our faith come during our in-between seasons.” Why do you think that’s true?

My in-between places in life so far have primed me for deeper connection with Christ because I’m desperate for it. I seem to be more receptive to his teachings because every other human source of wisdom has proven lacking. Maybe the desperation we feel in our in-between places is sacred space for a closer relationship with our savior.

~~~~~

Kat co-founded The Polished Network, an outreach for professional women navigating career and exploring faith, and has blossomed in recent years as a speaker and writer encouraging women to be bold in their faith. She and her husband, Aaron, live in the Dallas area with their son.

The In-Between Place releases January 5, 2021. Kat has also made available a free study guide for those who purchase the book. Sign up for that and take a peek at her website.

Previous Post

November 28, 2020

Advent: Still Longing for the Savior

Next Post

January 17, 2021 Dolly Parton: 75 Years of Glitz, Grit, and Grace

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category adoption art bible Bible study books compassion creation culture dogs facebook faith family friendship funeral grieving justice leadership Mardi Gras marriage memorial mental illness milestones missions MOPS movies parenting politics race relationships social media technology Thanksgiving theology trusting God Uncategorized wedding women worship

Select a Month June 2021 April 2021 February 2021 January 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 November 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 October 2013 September 2013 October 2012 August 2012 January 2012 October 2011 May 2011 February 2011 January 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. What will God make my feet like?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Lions' paws A gazelle's legs Eagles' wings The feet of a deer

Books by This Author Books by Kelley Mathews

See All Titles »