Growing Pretty is Not the Plan: Scriptures for Our Trials

Growth is something we all aspire for. It's why self-help has boomed in our generation - the hope that we can help ourselves to grow into better versions of ourselves.

But spiritual growth isn't pretty.

There is pain, discomfort, awkward transitions and even the occasional blemish (mistakes, fumbles, misdirection...aka...sin!).

I used to get sucked into the idea that I could change me. That I could improve my life by the way I lived my life. I thought that investing in the right people, the right clothes, the right activities and the right experiences would fill my heart and make me happy. I wanted these things because I recognized my depravity.

I turned to works. But it didn't work, because the problem can't be it's own solution. Being a sinner, I was unable to save myself. I needed someone else, other than me.

I know the world directs women in various ways to grow: courses to take, books to stack up on, daily affirmations to declare , and ways to date. The plan is always pretty and precise and predictable and "perfect". But God's word reveals a different picture. Not a picture perfect reflection of ourselves, but of His salvation. Spiritual growth in Christ looks nothing like the shiny bows of personal growth the world tries to package up and sell us.

Pain and Process; Discomfort and Transformation

This is what God's loving process looks like as recorded in scripture. If we take an honest look, it's not the seasons of ease and comfort where our Bible heroes grow; it's the trials and the troubles and the tears that propel every believer to turn our eyes upon Jesus and to search the scriptures for comfort, correction, encouragement and hope. He uses these seasons to grow us, to prepare us and to propel our hearts and lead us closer to His perfection, through the power of His Holy Spirit.

Romans 5: 3-5

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

James 1: 2-4

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

These scriptures encourage my heart to know that my struggles aren't a problem, they are a platform in which God uses to prepare my heart for His process of perfection within me. It isn't always pretty or neat or predictable or easy, but it's beautiful and real and purposeful.

Today, I want you to change your perspective on your problems. I want you to ask yourself how God might be using these situations to pull you closer and how you can lean into His Word and His heart more intentionally in the midst of your trials and messes. God is growing in you. His love, His faithfulness, His peace and His promises are all taking root in you. Sometimes, it's the storms that blow the distractions away and keep the grounds of our hearts well watered for the growth that must be produced for God's glory.

Subjectivity (my truth) and emotivism (the idea that good feelings are a barometer for what is true) is a false ideology. Our feelings have nothing to do with what is true and our feelings are not a gauge for whether or not we are in right standing with God. In Christ, we are in right standing with God. In Christ we are chosen, beloved and equipped for every good work that God has determined He will use us for. Don't let the difficulties or the distractions discourage you. Pain is a purposed part of the Christian life and our God tells us that He treasures our tears and keeps every single one in a bottle (Psalm 56:8).

Growing pretty is not the plan, rather it is the beauty of Christ we must go after. This includes the suffering of Christ, but this suffering lays up treasures for our souls and beauty for our ashes.

If there is a trial you are going through and you'd like a scripture or prayer or some encouragement, please reach out and let me know! As the body of Christ, we are here to encourage one another to go grow weary. Your life is a dynamic part of the body of Christ and you need to hear that!