Growing Pains as Christ's Disciple

" And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance;..."

Romans 5.3 // AMP

Endurance.

Romans 5.3-5 says:

³ And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance;

⁴ and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation].

⁵ Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

This post will be a short one, partially because I can't really type well at the moment, but also, because the growth that comes from suffering is a topic that's so deeply personal and relative. A few words on a screen could never quantify what someone might be going through; they also don't do much to encourage a deeply discouraged soul. The only thing that can fully sustain, nourish, teach, uplift, and encourage people as they go through the trials that produce the fruit that God wants to see in our lives is the Word of God.

The objective of today's very short post is to encourage those who are going through hardships, seasons of testing, and perhaps even some growing pains... perhaps even a bit of resistance as you're about to cross over into the next season. As a disciple of Christ, Jesus told us that hard times would come. He also told us not to worry because He had overcome the world; He also gave us His Word as the irreplaceable tool for us to use to overcome through Him (the living Word).

My encouragement (from God's Word) is to put on the full armour of God. Ephesians 6 speaks about putting on the full armour of God. It's hard to swing your Sword (of the Spirit - i.e. the Word of God) whilst you're down, but take baby steps. Find a verse you can stand on, and build on that. Holy Spirit will help you! It's most certainly difficult to lift your shield of faith when you're void of hope, but believe in God: His faithfulness and His character - the author and finisher of your faith. I can tell you for certain that the belt of truth is one of the first things I've forgotten to put on at times when the lies of the enemy come at me. Ephesians 6.10-23 has the full armour outlined for you, so I encourage you to dive in and read it.

Points to Ponder (Reflections Questions):

Reflecting with the Holy Spirit helps me get out of my own head, humble myself, and puts me in a posture of being teachable (especially when the growing pains I'm experience are Holy Spirit trying to teach me a lesson - a lesson He doesn't want me to repeat). Reflection also helps me cut the noise when the voice of the enemy is loud, cut the pity party, and die to myself (i.e. stop relying on my own understanding, stop feeding the emotional cycles, and allow God to both comfort my emotions and feed my spirit).

Here are a few reflection questions you can use in your private prayer time with God.

1. How can I rejoice in my suffering during my current hardships?
   

2. What fruit of the Holy Spirit is God developing in me right now?
   

3. In what way is God maturing me spiritually right now?
   

4. Am I relying on the Holy Spirit or on my own strength? Holy Spirit, how can I rely on You more?
   

5. What lies have I believed about God's character that God might be undoing in this season?
   

Note: if you want to hear God's voice, read the Word of God. God may speak through a still, small voice, but if you are not in the Word of God and you do not test every spirit and voice using the Word of God, it can be so dangerously easy to be deceived. Reflect with Him and read the Word. You will know through His Word when He speaks to you (no matter what manner He decides to communicate with you) :).

God is with you. God is for you. His plans are to prosper you and not to harm you. If you're feeling the pinch of growing pains right now, it might very well be a great time to get one-on-one with God and seek His face. Note to remember, though - when you reach the other side and He frees you and crosses you over into your Promised Land of breakthrough, do not forget God and return to your Egypt (whatever 'Egypt' looks like for you).

Whatever it feels like right now, remember this.

If you're reading this as someone who doesn't know Jesus, it's important for you to know that Jesus is the only way to God - the only door; the only ladder; the only One through whom anyone can get true salvation and freedom in life. He paid the price to save our lives and souls (the price we were meant to pay - death and eternal separation from God - God's wrath). He alone holds the keys to the door we're all looking for - the path to relationship with God and finding our purpose in Him. If you'd like a relationship with Jesus, you can start by approaching your Heavenly Father (Yahweh or God) and talking to Him (i.e. praying). You can pray to God for forgiveness, and ask for Jesus to be your Saviour. You can use your own words or the ones below:

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for creating me. I praise You fand believe that You are God. I admit I am a sinner, and I need You in my life. Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God, and that You died in my place and rose from the grave. Please be my Saviour. I choose today to follow You. Heavenly Father, please forgive my sins. I surrender my old ways, and ask that You wash me clean and make me brand new in Jesus' name. I surrender my life to You, and ask jesus to come into my heart. Please may You give me Your Holy Spirit so He may help me to follow You. I pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus.

Amen."

Note:

The good news is that after you have accepted God's gift of eternal life and salvation through Jesus, you do not have to do this life alone. God gives you His Holy Spirit to help you, and transform you - this is the part where you surrender so He can do His work in you. His Holy Spirit is there to help, comfort, guide, teach, and so much more. If you prayed this prayer, welcome to God's family! Your next step is getting a bible and finding a good bible-believing church community. Here's a great app you can use in the meantime to start reading the Word of God. Please get in touch with us by emailing hello@lwap.com.au if you would like some help finding a church.

God bless you! :) Jesus loves you.

Sincerely yours,

Pamela.

If you'd like us to pray with you about something you're believing for, please click here and fill out a prayer request form.

Jesus loves you, and He's coming back soon. Stay alert.