Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. -Hebrews 5:8 NLT
We’ve all grown physically since the day we were born. It’s a natural function of time just as intellectual growth is a matter of pushing our minds to learn. Spiritual maturity may take time and knowledge but there’s more to it than that. No matter how long or hard we try to grow spiritually, we won’t get far without suffering through obedience to God—no matter the situation.
When we give our hearts to God, we are not born into His Kingdom as spiritual adults but as babies. We then grow up spiritually in God’s grace as we abide in Christ. Spiritual growth doesn’t come when the sun shines brightly on our lives, when everyone speaks well of us and treats us nicely, and everything goes smoothly. We grow spiritually when all hell is breaking loose in our lives and we choose to still obey God in the midst of it.
Look back at the trials you have been through. Maybe you devoted your finances to God when your bank account told you it wasn’t possible. Or maybe you chose to forfeit comfort by doing something godly in a worldly situation. Whatever the circumstance, can you see the immature and ungodly qualities God has removed from your character as a result of your obedience through suffering?
You might notice mindsets and behaviors that were once strongholds are no longer active in your life. I pray that as you reflect, you are encouraged to press on in the midst of current hardship. Grow beyond your present situation so you can perfect, establish, strengthen, and fulfill your destiny.
