Topic: The Growing Times [Joyce Meyer Devotional 29 March 2021]
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…Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).— Ephesians 4:15 (AMPC)
When we look back over our lives, we often see that we didn’t grow during the easy times, but we grow significantly during hard times. In the easier times, we’re able to enjoy what we’ve gained during the harder times.
This is really a life principle. You work all week, then you receive your paycheck and enjoy your time off. You exercise, eat right, and take care of yourself, then you enjoy a healthy body. You clean your house, or basement, or garage, and then you enjoy your neat, clean surroundings each time you walk through them. This concept reminds me of Hebrews 12:11 (NIV): No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
To be truly victorious, we need to grow to the place where we’re not afraid of hard times but are actually challenged by them, because God uses them to ultimately prepare us for the good times. I encourage you today to ask God for the grace to appreciate and grow, even in the difficult things you’re facing. When you do, He’ll work in and through you to accomplish it (see Philippians 2:13).
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me today to see how You’re working in my life and give me the grace I need to grow, even in the harder things I’m dealing with. Thank You for promising to be there for me, and for working in me and through me to bring about real maturity. In Jesus’ name, amen.