“Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4
“Mom, my legs hurt; I can’t walk!” Daniel, my three-year-old, complained as he woke up one morning. This was the fourth day in a row that he had complained of such pains in his legs and feet. After making a mental note of all the changes Dan was going through-pains in his legs, nonstop hunger, excessive tiredness, and a jump in clothing size-I realized that Daniel had real growing pains. After about a week, he went back to his normal eating and sleeping habits, wore bigger clothes, and seemed to improve in coordination and speed. Without that time of intense growth, he would not be where he is today.
Sometimes God uses that same principle of growth in me when it comes to my spiritual growth. Painful situations draw me closer to God, whereas easy situations might not yield the same result. As I look back at the difficult times in my life, I see how God utilized each moment, not only to move me closer to Him, but also to mold me into a person more like Jesus. Growing pains help us grow.