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One of the young men at our church has very recently had a growth spurt and has now passed me up. Just two weeks ago I was taller, and now he’s got me by an inch. Just this past Saturday he and his dad went to a golf tournament and he was complaining of really bad leg pains all day. Now we know why.

It’s really not that big of a deal, I guess. After all, very few of the students God has blessed me to minister to are shorter than me. As a matter of fact, I feel more at home height-wise among the elementary school kids. But they too will grow up and tower over me some day. My guess is that it won’t be too long, either.

Part of growing up is dealing with growing pains. We all remember them – our legs would hurt so badly, and there didn’t seem to be anything we could do to make the pain go away. At the time we didn’t enjoy it one bit, but in the end we were thankful we gained those inches so we could be taller. The pain was worth the gain, right?

Our Christian life sometimes brings us pain. We all know that to be the truth. Sometimes it’s emotional pain, and we just can’t seem to do anything to make it go away. But God is growing us. Sometimes it’s relational pain, and we just don’t understand. But there He is – growing us in those hurts and heartaches.

And sometimes the pains come because God is stretching us to new levels in our walk with Him. My experience has been, and is, that He brings growth gradually, but it usually comes when you least expect it. God brings something or someone into your life to help you step up to a new level of commitment and experience with Him.  

Is it scary? Sometimes. As a matter of fact, at times it’s downright terrifying. God is in control and He is faithful, yet when we can’t see what’s next we get worried and afraid. “Trust God” is so much easier said than done in moments and times like that. But in that growth period, He leaves us that one simple choice, so we really have to.

Let me retract that statement: We don’t have to. We have a choice: trust Him, or distance ourselves. But let me just save you the trouble: Distancing yourself from God is a bad decision that makes growing pains look like a walk in the park.  
So today, where are you? 

Do you feel the ache of God growing you? 

Are you at the place of nearing a pretty scary leap of faith, not knowing what awaits you on the other side of a decision? 

Maybe you find yourself distant from Him today because back there somewhere you chose not to trust Him and started easing away. There’s hope for us all today. God is faithful. He is in control. And He stands with arms wide open, ready to receive you. 

Are you distant? Come back home. 

Are you scared? Let Him carry you. 

Are you hurting? Let the Healer guide your steps until the aching eases. 

No matter what, He has what you need. So why not trust Him? I think I’ll take my own advice . . . 

That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake

Copyright © 2021 by Blake Martin @https://pastorblakeman.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/growing-pains/ No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org.