Fighting Spiritual Dullness: Remembering on Purpose

Have you ever seen God move powerfully in your life… and then a few weeks later found yourself worrying like He never did anything at all? You’re not alone. In Mark 6:34–44, Jesus fed over five thousand people with 5 loaves and 2 fish. The disciples watched it happen. They helped pass out the food. They picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. It was unforgettable. Or at least it should have been. Then, just two chapters later in Mark 8:1–10, we see a similar moment. Again, thousands of people are hungry. Having the benefit of first-hand experience, we might expect they understand this is another moment for Jesus to handle. But what do the disciples say? “Where can anyone get enough bread here in this remote place to feed them?” They had already seen Jesus multiply food. They had already carried the miracle in their own hands. Yet here they are again, acting like they have no idea what He can do.

Before we judge them too quickly, let’s be honest.

We do the same thing.

Spiritual dullness isn’t rebellion, and it isn’t hatred toward God. It’s more subtle than that. It’s forgetfulness, when we’ve experienced His faithfulness, but we face a new problem as if He has never helped us before.

It’s when fear becomes louder than memory.

It’s when today’s pressure makes yesterday’s miracle seem small.

The disciples were sincere. They loved Jesus. But in that moment, they were spiritually dull. They forgot what they had just witnessed. And sometimes, so do we.

Maybe God provided money right when you needed it. Then months later, an unexpected expense shows up, and panic takes over. Maybe God healed your body. Then a symptom appears, and fear floods your heart. Maybe He delivered you from severe anxiety. Then a stressful season comes, and suddenly you feel like you’re back at square one. Spiritual dullness says, “This time is different.”

Let me reassure you - It's not different.

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The same Jesus who fed the five thousand fed the four thousand. The same Jesus who carried you then is carrying you now.

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So why do we forget? Part of it is human weakness. We live in the moment. What’s in front of us feels urgent and overwhelming. Another part is that trials test our memory. Faith is not just believing God can do something. It’s remembering that He already has. Jesus gently reminded His disciples of this later in Mark 8. He asked them how many baskets were left over the first time… and the second time. He walked them through the evidence again. He didn’t shame them. He reminded them. That’s important. Jesus doesn’t crush us when we forget. He teaches us.

One of the best ways to combat spiritual dullness is to remember on purpose. Write down what God has done. Speak it out loud. Tell your testimony often; memory strengthens faith.

• Slow down. (Faith grows in stillness)

• Ask the question. (Has God helped me before?)

• Stay close. (Dullness isn’t permanent; growth takes time)

  
  

Be patient with yourself. Growth takes time. God is forming endurance in you.

If you’re feeling spiritually dull right now, don’t condemn yourself. Remember the door He opened, the healing He gave, the peace He restored, and the way He carried you when you didn’t think you’d make it.

You may be facing another "remote place" moment, resources look small, and the need looks big. The Provider has not changed. Gratitude has a way of reviving faith.

And here’s the beautiful truth:

Jesus still multiplies. He still provides. He still cares about hungry people in remote places, both physically and spiritually.

Including you.

So, when fear whispers, "This time it's impossible," answer gently:

"I’ve seen Him work before."

And He will do it again.

As always friends, be well-fed.

John & Stephanie

The Butlers