Most of us do not like "growing pains" (this might suggest work), but the truth of the matter is, we don't grow in the easy times. Growth happens when we stretch to meet demands or reach goals. If you would rather just sit back and take it easy... well, how boring is that! And sooner or later life will hurtle something big your way, and how will you handle it? We don't grow up in one fell swoop but by dealing with life's challenges as they present themselves and by reaching higher in our understanding and perceptions over time.
So if you are on life's path and the challenge in front of you is huge, the lesson may be to learn to trust God more. If you're caught in a place in which you cannot see the end, learn patience (ouch!). If someone is hard too deal with, show love to them. They may need it more than you know. If you have been deeply wounded, forgive. (Jesus does this for us every day). "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:34).
In ourselves we do not have the wisdom or strength to master our goals or overcome these challenges, but Jesus will raise us up and make us able. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13). Perhaps we will taste hard work or disappointment, failure or sorrow, ill health or loss, but we are not alone. In all these things the Lord is by our side to raise us up, spur us on, add wisdom and bring us to victory.
If a challenge stands in front of you, it just may be that God has allowed it because there is something precious He wants you to learn. Know that He will be faithful to guide and help you through it Or, if life has just dished out a circumstance you don't like, ask God what you can learn from it. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.". (II Timothy2:15).
"For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
Hebrews 5:14-15 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf