There comes a time in everyone’s life when they have to grow up. We all get older in body, but simply growing up and into adulthood doesn’t mean we’ve grown up, maturity takes place at different times for different people. There are also levels and stages of maturity, as well as different areas in one’s life to mature. I could be mature when it comes to one thing or another, and still be naïve and childish in another.
I have come to the conclusion that God has been maturing me for quite some time now, preparing me for this life He created me for. There have been areas I matured in at a young age, and others that I still yet lacking. I believe the first step is to realize that growth is needed, even necessary, so that it can then occur. We want instant gratification. If I order something I expect it to have fast shipping. If it gets delayed then I am not happy. If I have a destination I want to get there. God loves the journey though, because it’s in the journey we build relationship and levels of trust with Him. He builds us up and creates in us the character to steward the destination, the promised land.
In my last post, I mentioned not running anymore. I still find myself running. Yet, once again I am deciding that the loop and cycle is not for me anymore. A decision must be made, and it has been. Let’s break down the word discourage. It is the opposite of courage. God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. Living a life opposite of courage is living a life opposite of what God calls us to. Therefore, I can no longer live that way. God calls us higher, deeper, and to move out of our comfort zones. A life worth living is a life rich and deep in the love of Christ.
Oh let us all learn to take off that garment of heaviness and put on that garment of praise. Let us learn to call the dry bones to live. Let us learn to all see the Goodness of God.
Joshua Stidham 