Momentum is a word we use often, but rarely stop to define.
In physics, momentum is basically movement that’s already in progress—a body in motion. Things don’t just start moving on their own. Something has to push or pull it first. Gravity, friction, effort—some kind of force has to act on an object to get it moving and keep it going.
I loved physics for this reason. It made invisible things easier to see.
But that got me thinking—if momentum exists in the natural world, what about the spiritual one?
What causes motion in the life of faith?
What is the invisible force behind spiritual momentum?
Wind in Your Sails
There’s a beautiful 2015 album by Amanda Cook titled Brave New World, and one of my favorite songs on it is Voyage. The song is a subtle invitation to take a risk—to move forward even when fear is present. And then comes the line that always stops me:
“I am the wind in your sails.”
That line feels like a prophetic picture of the Holy Spirit speaking directly to the heart: Advance. Move forward. I am the power behind this motion.
A sailboat can be perfectly designed. The mast can be strong, the sail intact, the destination clear. But without wind, it sits still—capable, yet unmoving. The boat doesn’t generate the wind. It simply positions itself to receive it.
That’s how spiritual momentum works.
In Christianity, motion is fueled by an invisible force—one driven and sustained by the Holy Spirit. There is a human element, yes. Our bodies are the vehicle (or sailboat), but then there’s a spiritual aspect that cannot be engineered. This spiritual aspect of motion happens when we fully yield to the Holy Spirit.
When Momentum Fades
At the beginning of anything new—a venture, a calling, a year—there’s usually a surge of excitement. Curiosity fuels us. Anticipation keeps us moving. We’re energized by possibility and vision.
But when we fail to see immediate results, we kinda lose steam, and our speed/velocity is significantly reduced. With time, one can plateau or even give up! Now, it’s ok if God is doing the pause/intermission in your journey, but it’s another thing when our flesh takes the detour and disrupts momentum in your purpose journey.
Climb and Maintain
For years, my WhatsApp status simply read: “Climb and Maintain.” I even added a little mountain-climbing icon 🧗. This status stayed on my WhatsApp for years for the simple reason that it deeply resonated with me: momentum is not just gaining ground, but maintaining it as well.
Climbing requires effort. Maintaining requires discipline. Both are necessary. Momentum isn’t just about forward motion—it’s about stewardship of what you’ve already gained.
In the spiritual life, it’s possible to advance quickly and then lose ground. Not always through one dramatic failure (although it does happen!), but also through small compromises, weariness, or neglect.
Which brings me to this question: What do you do when you feel like your momentum is waning?
Here’s my answer…
How to Sustain Biblical or Spiritual Momentum
1. Yield to the Source of Power (The Wind in our Sails)
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord. (Zechariah 4:6)
We need to realize that it’s not our flesh or might that fuels the sails. Instead, it is the Holy Spirit. Additionally, momentum fades when we try to force things rather than surrender. The Spirit gives the power; we bring the right attitude.
2. Don’t Confuse Waiting with Losing Momentum
“Though the vision tarries, wait for it.” (Habakkuk 2:3)
Waiting isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes waiting is a God-thing. So when we see that intermission or pause in our purpose journey, we need to ask God if we are meant to be there.
3. Guard Against Flesh-Driven Detours
“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
As I stated before, it’s ok if God is doing the pause/intermission in your journey, but it’s another thing when our flesh takes the detour and disrupts momentum in your purpose journey.
4. Stay Faithful in the Ordinary
“Let us not grow weary in doing good.” (Galatians 6:9)
Sometimes, momentum can look ordinary and not very exciting. And guess what… that’s ok! Momentum is rarely sustained by excitement alone. It’s preserved through consistency and diligence!
5. Walk in the Spirit
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
The goal isn’t to move fast; it’s to stay aligned. Moving quickly in the wrong direction is still a loss.
Friends, Spiritual momentum isn’t hype. And it certainly isn’t self-generated. (I would think self-powered momentum is burnout waiting to happen. Literally a crash and burn.)
Spiritual Momentum is the result of alignment with an invisible force.
When the Spirit supplies the wind, even slow movement still moves forward. Even quiet obedience still counts. Even unseen progress still carries weight.
The question isn’t whether the sailboat is capable.
The question is whether it’s positioned to receive the wind.❤️
Hugs,
Beautiful Heather, you.
Thank you.
Your sister in Christ, Lea
Aww thank you so much Lea. I appreciate your kind comment. May God bless you.