Looking at my grandchildren, I can see how their physical growth happens both slowly and quickly at the same time.
Growth cannot be rushed. It happens on its own timetable and its own way. Try as we may, growth just will not occur on our timetable or to our convenience.
Our children are now adults, with children of their own. As I look back over their lives, I can see the hurts, the mistakes, and the challenges which occurred over the years.
While we tried to raise them in God’s ways, and in His Word, life has a way of leaving us wondering if we did enough to root them firmly, securely.
Looking back on my own life, I am fully aware of challenges and trials which caused me to question and doubt if God would bring me through.
It’s in the middle where we struggle, where we often are hit the hardest. Yet it is in looking at my own struggles that I find hope.
It was in the midst of the struggles, God’s hand could gently be felt guiding and protecting. He had His own way of pulling me back into the center of His will. He made a way when the way could not be seen.
The promise comes back to mind:
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, NASB)
It is God’s work, which He has begun, and He is committed to a complete work. He is faithful to finish what He has begun in my life, and in the lives of my children, and my grandchildren.
A quote read years ago comes back to mind:
“It seems that most believers have difficulty in realizing and facing up to the inexorable fact that God does not hurry in His development of our Christian life. He is working from and for eternity!” (Miles J. Stanford)
God is not hurried with us.
He knows growth is a process,
and He will finish what has been started in our lives.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Philippians 1:6 is a promise I cling to for myself and my children. Some of them aren’t walking with Him, but I trust He’s not finished with them and He’s still working in their hearts.
Such a poignant post Joanne.
Blessings, Jennifer
A powerful reflection that it all comes down to trust. Trusting Him ourselves, and trusting Him to lead our children, and grandchildren. Stopping to pray for our children to know Him more intimately and to trust Him with all their hearts.
Amen, Joanne. I find myself questioning God’s (slow) work in my own life as well as those of my adult children and grandchildren! Thank you for your reminder to not only trust the process, but the Lord.
Philippians 1:6 is a powerful reminder of how God works within us all. Your post reminded me of my own hurts and challenges (a pregnancy loss, a life threatening health condition, insecurities, grief) and, it was often in those moments that God provided glimmers of hope, compassion and love for me to see. What a gift!
As long as we are alive and breathing, He is still writing our stories. This is a deep encouragement to my soul.
Joanne, I appreciate your thoughts. It is easy to become disappointed with ourselves, or with our loved ones, when insecurities and immaturity show. Love the Miles Stanford quote.
So beautifully spoken Joanne.
I know the truth of this and am learning to appreciate the process.
Philippians 1:6 is a truth to keep in mind and in our hearts. It’s truth is the promise of hope that keeps us gratefully present no matter our circumstances. Thank you for reminding me of His everlasting goodness for our lives.
“He made a way when the way could not be seen.” Oh Joanne. I’ve seen this so many times in my own life, and now that my girls are young adults, I am trusting God will do the same in their lives. It takes the pressure off, doesn’t it, when we remember that our loved ones’ heavenly Father loves them far more than we do?