Growing Pains

Ever wonder why we have the phrase ‘growing pains’?  No? Well that’s probably because we all know what they are.  Even if you haven’t experienced them yourself I’m sure you know of someone who has.  I had them really bad in my legs as I went from a little kid to a very young man at fifteen and shot up to 6’2” rather quickly.  My son comes in my bedroom every once in a while at night crying saying that his legs hurt.

I say all this to make a point.  Do you think we can grow in Christ and mature as believers without pain?  I’m not so sure we do.  We can learn a lot by reading our Bibles and spending time with other believers, but ultimately it is through trials, pain, and hurt that we grow.  Job, Samson, Abraham, Jacob, Peter, James and John, all learned lessons that they needed to know to grow by… sorry… pain.  And so it’s no different with us.  The writer of Hebrews tells us in chapter 12:6, “For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” And he continues to teach us skipping down to verse 11 that, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”  So don’t get too discouraged when things seem to be going wrong – keep you head up (looking to Jesus) and know that, “He is working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

If you’re going through a tough time, whether it’s your own fault or not, I can promise you something… If you look to Jesus Christ as your ONLY answer, things will work out for the best.  It may take awhile, but if Jesus is what you're seeking, then it will!  He is your creator, and He created you for a specific purpose that He wants you to fulfill.  When you discover what that is, you will see Him working in your life in the most awesome ways, yes, even in the painful times.