Growth

Spring is just around the corner.  I can hardly believe it!  I must admit we have been very spoiled this winter with very little actual winter like weather.  We have had our fair share of precipitation, but because the temperatures have been on the warmer side, we have had rain instead of snow.  I might dislike winter weather, but for the farmers the weather conditions of winter are important to the seeds in preparation for their growth come spring.  


Just like the seeds need certain conditions to grow, so also we as followers of Christ need certain conditions in order to grow our faith so that we can become more like the men and women God wants us to be.  


"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:2-4


"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5


God will use our circumstances to help us develop into people He can use to make a difference in this world.  Far too often we run away from the pain that we are experiencing, instead of embracing what God is trying to do in us through it.  Running away only delays what God wants to do.  Today I challenge you to embrace all that God has for you.  Embrace the situations He places in your path so that you can grow in His way, in His timing. We need not fear because we are not alone; He is always with us.  


My friend, today, choose to let God work in your life so that you can grow more and more into the person He wants you to be. You will not be disappointed.