Growing Pains Are Divinely Appointed for Our Growth.

No one enjoys growing pains, but most would rather have pain than not be growing. The Bible repeatedly tells us that painful times are divinely appointed for our growth. As we go through these times, God’s grace is an unlimited available resource we can utilize in every natural rhythm of life. God’s grace saves us and continues to compel us to grow in our Christian walk.

Grace’s Sufficiency

The word “grace” is used over and over in the book of 1 Peter (1:2, 1:13, 3:7, 4:10, 5:10, 5:12). We don’t need to ask God for grace because it is always available. We need understanding to enjoy it.

Grace compels us to live as obedient children (1 Peter 1:14-15). It affects multiple areas of our lives: the home and the church. Grace gives each believer a spiritual gifting to exercise. We each have a ministry to help others grow and to glorify God. The goal of grace working in us is maturity.

Check Your Dashboard

The following are several practical areas to take stock of how you are doing at allowing God’s grace to grow you.

• Physical health: How is your diet? Are you maintaining your health through regular exercise? How are stress and anxiety affecting your body? Remember that the Holy Spirit indwells you and Christ owns your body!
• Mental and emotional health: How is your walk with the Lord? Are you getting enough sleep? Is anxiety taking a toll on you? Does stress cause you to neglect other areas of your life? Realize that physical factors will also affect your mental health.
• Relational health: First consider your relationship with Christ. Are you spending time with Him through His Word? Do you converse with Him each day? Are you learning more about Him, believing Him, and serving Him? Then consider your relationships with others in your home, your family, church, and workplace. Do you show gratitude? Do you take adequate breaks and Sabbath rest to keep your life in balance?

If you are struggling in any area, don’t be discouraged. Briggs said, “failure can be enriching compost.” Choose one step to start addressing change, and tell a spiritual friend about it. We can all help each other grow in all the ways listed above.

For a helpful list of more questions, see David Murray’s book Reset.

Application Points

• Do you wonder if you are growing? After a year like 2020, if you are still attached to Christ, His Word, and His body (the church), then you have struggled well. Continue to avail yourself of God’s unlimited grace!

Cross References

• Psalm 16:2 – Grace is the source of all good things.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11-22 – Help each other grow in grace.
• 2 Peter 3:18 – Determine to continue growing in grace.