“How Will YOU Grow This Season?”
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
In the spirit of Easter and the spring season (in other words, in the spirit of new life and growth!), we invite you to spend a few moments thinking about the growth-related questions below; and we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. May we all grow as we share and learn from each other!
- In this season of your life, do you sense God is wanting to resurrect something in you or grow something in you? If so, what is it?
- Who in your life has helped you grow, and how did that person help you grow?
- What’s your favorite verse about growth, and why?
- Throughout your life, how has God used the Bible to help you grow spiritually and emotionally?
To answer any of these questions or to make a comment, use the comment box below. To read what others have written, scroll down to the comments below.
May you experience tremendous growth this season,
The ShareYourStoryNow Team (Andy, Abby, Nat and Scott)
Please note that the views expressed in this story are not necessarily the views of the American Bible Society. Story posted on March 17th, 2008 and filed under Hope, Bible, Your Stories, Verses.
March 17th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Wow, let’s see, in terms of growth this season … I’m definitely still on a journey of recovery from codependency (especially from my approval addiction). This may be a life-long journey!
As part of my recovery journey, I sense that God is growing my connection with my inner child and True Self … I feel like I’m starting to live out of my True Self more and more (as opposed to my false self or codependent self). I celebrate this!!!
Also, as part of my recovery journey, I sense that God is helping me tell the truth more (e.g., to be honest about what I like or don’t like, want or don’t want, etc.).
Regarding the Bible and growth, I especially cherish verses that describe who I am, my True Self, which is a beloved Child of God. Some examples: Romans 8:16 and Psalm 139. Especially over the past 4 or 5 years, I’ve spent a lot of time using scripture to help me soak in God’s love, which has helped me heal and grow up!
What about you? I look forward to hearing about your thoughts and experiences!
Blessings,
Andy
March 17th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
1. In this season of my life, I do sense that God is wanting to resurrect in me my avoidance behavior toward my teenage granddaughter.
She uses the “F” words freely on anyone and everyone, including on myself, when life does not go her way or meets her wants.
Having been brought up in a religious (though Buddhist) and educated Chinese family, I have perpetuated the same family values and tradition in our own children of “Speak no evil.”
Curses are taboos.
This is not because I cannot forgive my granddaughter–the third generation, as I understand that such foul language is not uncommon even in school. Nor is it because of my ‘holier than thou’ self-righteousness. It is the fact that I do have phobia of hearing curses from her.
My psychological/spiritual approach of communication with her has not worked.
I feel helpless. Yet, in my fervent prayers, I do trust that “…but with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
2. I have learned and grow in family values from my older brother Stephen. From childhood when he never refused to give me his share of candies and peanuts in addition to my own, he always makes sure that my children and I are well provided for even as of this day.
Despite widowhood, our children and I have been blessed with not having to worry about our daily bread in this foreign land, unlike many other immigrants.
3. My favorite verse about growth is Matthew 13:31:
“…The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a man took and sow in his field.”
“Because this is smaller than all other seeds. But when it is full grown, it …becomes a tree…”
This is likened to our Chinese virtue of being ‘humble,’ as well as “…whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)
4. Throughout my life, having been privileged to study in renowned Seminaries for years, I find literally every beauty, wisdom of all ages, human emotions, good and evil, and the Supreme Power of our Triune God to guide, nurture, comfort and uphold me. With unending inspiration, and thus positive energy from the Bible, I live my daily life to the fullest in faith, hope and love.”For I know that His Commandment is eternal life” (John 12 56).
Thank you anew for your outstanding site, and
May GOD ALL MIGHTY Bless you His disciples;
GODSPEED, always and forevermore!
Mary Sun.
March 20th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
It’s amazing how God can use the most unexpected things to spark growth in us. This morning I heard a commercial on my local news channel that illustrated this very point. It was sponsored by an environmental group that was encouraging listeners to turn their old garbage into compost for their greenery. Apparently the mucky mess we throw away everyday, when compressed, is a high source of nutrients for growing plants.
I think the same applies in our everyday life. It’s those undesirable situations, those things that challenge, scare and even paralyze us at times, which God uses to spark growth within us. Once overcome, situations like depression, substance abuse, sickness, even hopelessness, can become the most powerful testimonies of God’s grace and love for us. Those messy situations that would have some reeling in disgust, God can use to bring us closer to Him.
Inspired by the verse in Proverbs 27 that notes that “iron sharpens iron“, as well as countless biblical ”underdogs” that have triumphed against all odds- Joshua facing enemy soldiers in the Battles of Jericho and Gibeon; David facing a towering Goliath and Ester risking her life to advocate for her people- I have learned to trust God in situations that make me nervous, even sick to my stomach. He has a plan for every single second of our lives and when we surrender to that, we will begin to see true growth beyond our wildest imaginations.