Growing Pains

Originally posted on September 21st, 2011

Is God growing you right now? How is He doing it? Why is He so committed to growing us? What’s the point if I’m already saved…already a believer? Why does “growing” have to hurt this bad!?
I could go on but you get the idea…

I’m sharing an excerpt I found on the web at www.learnaboutgod.net — I found it appropriate for what God has laid on my heart.
The question for us is always, “Where are we growing?” Are we satisfied with a being a pine cone when God has in His purposes for us a full-grown pine tree that produces many pine cones, and provides shelter for many birds as well? It’s easier to be and remain a pinecone, but our God is life and life goes forward and grows. Another important consideration is that the more we allow God to do in our lives, the more He will be in our lives, and we are more likely to know Him. Knowing Him in turn causes further growth.

Preceding the excerpt, that last question may not have made since to some of you. Perhaps you haven’t experienced spiritual growth as pain yet — but likely — you will.  I look back to the very most painful times in life…the days when I didn’t want to live anymore…the devastation I felt and only now with a different perspective some 10+ years later can I also see the growth that came from that time along with the testimony, the depth of faith, the humbleness, the heart to reach out to others, and the understanding of how God will work all things to good for those who love the Lord.

Often growth hurts because it usually takes us OUT of our comfort zone. Oh No! Immediately my blood pressure goes up. If I’m going to be out of my comfort zone I better at least be able to touch it — right? Isn’t that how most of us are? When are we most comfortable? Well…usually when we’re “in control”. And finally — how often are the things that HURT (which are usually the same that help us GROW) out of our control?

I believe that God takes us out of our comfort zone because we’re then forced to wholly surrender. We’re never in control but we often convince ourselves we are and when we realize we’re definitely not…where and to whom do we turn? Who do we cry out to when we fall flat on our face? And then the healing (i.e. growing begins) :) When we are broken down, when we are nothing but rubble, when we are 100% surrendered — WOW there is some real room for growth there!

When you’re out of your comfort zone, when it hurts a little (or a LOT) you can know that God will use it to do the most amazing things in your life…for God has chosen to reveal His glory THROUGH us!?