Maturity is a Process

As we grow in our relationship with God, so does our spiritual maturity. Growing isn't always fun - in fact, it can be pretty painful - but during our trials and hard times, we must never forget a simple truth.

 We can choose to learn from life's difficulties and hardships and mature into the man or woman God has created us to be, or we can choose to be upset and learn nothing. 

 James 1:2-4 tells us to consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (NIV). 

 The next time you face a trial or difficult situation, look to God for your joy and strength and know that He is using it to usher you into a new level. - Tony Evans

John 14:25-27 New International Version 

 25 "All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

 Luke 10:38-42 New International Version 

 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 ESV) 

 With the advent of 24/7 news, the internet, facebook and everything else, we are bombarded with most of what goes wrong in the world. A woman is abducted and we learn immediately of sex trafficking. An earthquake devastates a developing nation and we see the hundreds of thousands who have lost loved ones, don’t have clean water and no longer have a home. Shootings at a school happens and we hurt for the families of the kids that have been killed. We can be overwhelmed with all of the hurt in the world– we can be paralyzed by it. How can we make a difference through the pain? Does my $10 donation really do anything? 

 Andy Stanley, in his sermon called “One, Not Everyone”, gives us some practical advice when we become overwhelmed by the suffering that surrounds us:

 1. Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. By focusing on one person, we aren’t as spread out and see the little things we do will make a big difference in their life.

 2. Go deeper, not wider. It might be easier to throw $10 at everything that comes our way, but we can usually make a greater change for good when we do more than just giving money. When we focus our time, talents, and money on one person or family, there is a greater reward.

 Don’t forget the last part of today’s verse also, we will see results in the end if we don’t give up! So, don’t give up and continue to ask God where He has prepared good works in advance for you.