Growing Pains

My son was complaining recently about a throbbing pain in his legs. It was so painful that we went to the doctor to have x-rays taken. The result? It was merely something we have all felt at one point when we were younger: growing pains.

Growth hurts. The ache and discomfort of pain can be agonizing, but it is necessary and always beneficial. God created us, not to stay stagnant, but to always be growing in him and becoming more like Jesus. But it’s not easy, and we can certainly stunt it.

“Failure to thrive” is a term used to describe an underlying condition causing physical growth delay. The reason behind it is inadequate nutrition. Just like we need to feed our bodies with the necessary nutrients to grow, we need to feed ourselves spiritually for growth to occur.

God’s Word is the essential nourishment for your being. King David, described by God as a man ”after my own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), deeply loved and valued God’s Word with such passion that he not only meditated on it all day, but all night (Psalm 119:97, Psalm 119:148). He is a great example for you and I to follow, a man of faith.

Know that in the midst of heartache and pain, God is molding and growing you. Be confident in the promise from God that he is making you more like Jesus as you allow him to do the work he desires to do in you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise that you are growing me into the person you have created me to be. I pray that your Word would fill my being. Open my heart to hearing all that you have to say to me and give me wisdom and knowledge while I meditate on your Word. Amen.

Throughout this Day: In the busyness of life and all of its distractions, set time aside to read God's Word and meditate on who he is. Before you begin your day as well as at the close of your day, take some moments to be with God, strengthening and encouraging yourself with what he desires to show you.