God values growth. In creation, God commanded us to be fruitful and fill the earth (Genesis 1:28). Jesus Himself grew while here on earth (Luke 2:52). He wants His church to grow deep in the knowledge and graces of the Lord Jesus (2 Peter 3:18). He wants His church to grow wide through the preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins to all nations (Luke 24:46-48). He so desires that you would be growing as well. However, growth isn’t always an easy process and often happens amidst adversity (James 1:2-4). Is there an area of your life that needs work? Have you started a process towards growth but just feel like giving up? Where might God be asking you to grow or persevere? Let me encourage you to keep going and keep growing.
Growth can feel like failure at first, but remember, failing to meet a goal is not the same as a failure of the will. The ability to keep going and try again is the mark of person that is growing. They have perseverance, focus, and grit. The thing about growth is that it is hard to notice when it’s happening. It is much easier to see when you look back. You may not notice or feel your progress right now, but don’t give up. The process can be costly, but the cost of stagnation has a much higher price tag.
So, what are you going to see when you look back? Are you going to see a person who let feeling like a failure turn them into failure because they gave up? Or are you going to see someone who realized that the person God wanted them to be was worth the work and determination that growth requires? God doesn’t give up on us. He finishes the work that He starts (Philippians 1:6). Now don’t you give up either. Keep going and keep growing.
Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again… -Proverbs 24:16, NIV