DEVOTION
The Growing Pains of Our Faith
By Cathy Irvin
Staff Writer
CBN.com
- Is it painful to grow as a Christian? Have you ever said
in the natural that it hurts to grow up? Or … when will it
all end? How many times have you heard someone say, "We must
grow up in Christ," or "Let us move on to maturity in
the things of God?" Other times we may have heard, "These
trials help you to grow." I have heard these questions so
much in sermons and books that it seems like it is a never ending
process.
When I asked the Lord about this, God's response to me was, "It
is."
I think I was hoping that some day I would feel like I had arrived.
Because of the daily struggles caused from the pressures of life,
and the trials that help to build character, I felt like I should
be one of the best characters anyone could meet (just kidding).
I have been through so much that I understand what it means to
go through the growing process.
The fruit of the Spirit will be evident to those around people
who allow the Holy Spirit to deal with their imperfections. He
will change them by helping them to have godly attitudes. They
will find that they are more kind, patient, loving, and selfless.
They will not be so critical or judgmental of others.
The list goes on and on. If at this point you feel you haven't
arrived, don't worry. We are all making this same pilgrimage.
The journey will end when we cross to heaven's side and the Lord
says, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Because
you endured, took up your cross, denied yourself, and followed
Him, you will enjoy the rewards of the kingdom.
I remember when my grandson was young that he needed to have
his mother rub his legs. He said that they hurt. She knew it was
because he was a growing boy. She also understood that her touch
made him feel better. There was nothing physically wrong with
him, but he obviously felt pain until his mother ministered to
him.
When we allow the Lord to minister to us, His touch is so soothing.
Like the loving touch from my daughter to her son, we can feel
God helping us to feel better too. These strokes of love are causing
us to be healed and to grow to be more like Him. We must come
to him during those times when we need Him and let Him pour in
His grace, love, and peace.
The journey may seem to be too hard. But if you allow the Holy
Spirit to deal with you in certain areas, the process will be
easier.
In spite of all the trials, growing pains, or whatever you choose
to call them, thank God there is a way out. The way out is Jesus.
He promised that He would make a way of escape through every trial.
It is like going from kindergarten to the first grade, and then
on to middle school, then to high school, and finally to graduation
day. We don't want to stay behind a grade. We don't want to be
like the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years, going
around the same mountain over and over again.
Let us tell the Lord that He has permission to teach us and we
will do our best to get it right and eventually graduate.
Send Cathy your comments
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