Growing Pains

I can remember first learning the term “growing pains” when I was a kid.

My brother was having some pains in his legs and my parents were trying to ease his worries. They told him it was completely normal, it was just growing pains, something he may experience as his body continued to develop. The term came to me again recently as I’m pregnant with my first child and I can feel pains in my body as it makes room for the life growing in me.

We’ve all experienced growing pains of some sort, whether it be physically, emotionally, or spiritually. In my personal experience, I’ve found that anytime I’ve made a significant change in my life, there's always been pain involved. Whether it was going off to college, choosing to move, or making a new career decision.

Each change meant having to connect with new people, learning to trust in God, and relying on Him to help me in new situations. I can look back now and see how God used the pain and discomfort to grow me.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul shares how God uses the pain he is experiencing to make him stronger. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

It’s in the times that we feel weak and incapable that God can move the most in our lives. When pain, sorrow, or fear overwhelm us, God invites us to rely on his strength which is always available to us. Whatever difficult situation you may be facing this week, know that you were never meant to do it alone. The Holy Spirit is present to show you just how strong you can be. Each time we experience the pain of growth, we can trust that God is making way for new life in us.

Tagged with

No Comments