Embracing Growth by Pastor Karena Lout

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corin. 12:9

“We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, Who is the head of the his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly.As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Eph. 4:15-16 (NLT)

When I was in labor with my son Josiah, I remember thinking, “Why didn’t anyone tell me this was going to be so painful?!” Todd was so comforting and patient with me throughout as I grabbed his arm and yelled, “I’m dying!” I didn’t have an epidural so I literally thought I was dying. No joke. I didn’t anticipate that kind of pain. Of course, the amazing gift of my son was far greater than any pain I endured.

In my journey I’ve found that it’s helpful to know that not everything is going to come easy. In a culture that looks to make things quicker, easier and predictable, sometimes we lose the value of process and mystery. As our kids were growing up, Todd and I let them know that life isn’t always gonna feel like “rainbows and butterflies.” As parents, we want to shield them from any harm and pain. But I also know that life can be challenging at times and I want them to gain the strength they’re going to need to face difficult things, relying on who Jesus is for them. We can’t always be prepared for everything that happens in life but we can choose how we will respond and what we believe about God in the face of it.

I recently heard this quote, “You can forget what hurt you but never forget what it taught you.” We have the choice to let difficult things define us and keep us stuck or we can choose to allow them to bring growth in our life. God has been encouraging me lately to take a look at some things that just aren’t working for me anymore, patterns and beliefs that He wants to transform. At times I feel stretched and uncomfortable but the reward far outweighs the cost. God isn’t looking to manage our behavior. He is more concerned with “why” we do what we do and wants to show us His way of doing things. When we begin to ask Him to show us what’s really going on in our heart, He brings healing and transformation that no law could ever bring. As we look at who Jesus is, we begin to see who we really are and then how we live will follow.

One way God inspires growth in our lives is by encouraging us to ask questions. All throughout the Psalms, we see David inquiring of the Lord and diving into the beauty and mystery of all that He is. God recently told me, “If you don’t find yourself asking questions, you may have to consider that you are too comfortable with already having all the answers.” Part of growing up is staying teachable, asking questions and realizing that our life with Jesus is a continual discovery. It’s in asking Him questions that we find how expansive and beautiful His love is. I encourage you to dive deep into the ocean of mystery where something new is always unfolding.

Growing up doesn’t mean we’re no longer childlike. “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” (1Corin.13:11)

Embracing growth in our lives is allowing God to transform the way we think, leaving behind patterns that are no longer working on our behalf. It’s in becoming childlike that we actually grow in our relationship with Him. I encourage you this holiday season to allow the wonder and mystery of what Jesus did for you to capture your heart again. Look at life through the eyes of a child. There are mysteries and surprises waiting for you to unwrap. Take time to ask Jesus to show you what His strength and comfort looks like as you face some of life’s challenges. You can do this! Jesus already provided the way for you so enjoy the journey!

Love, Karena