Growing through the dirt... 

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2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith not by sight

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2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

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2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

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Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through [a]Christ who strengthens me.

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2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

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Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

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My husband sent a video to me this morning about the pains of growth. The gentleman in the video mentioned that we tend to show the better parts of the growth period especially on social media. But no one talks about the hard times it actually takes to get there. Or we talk about all the bad stuff, but we fail to mention when God shows up!

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Well, this season for many members of my family and myself has been pretty difficult. I am still in a season of difficulty as I write this devotion. So, I will share a little of the story. Since around November of 2024 my husband and I have gone through a flood in our home and not just water, we had a tree fall on the corner of our house, another one fall from our neighbor's yard that took out our patio that we were held liable for, car accident, our home and car insurance was canceled without notice, my husband has had a few minor (thank God) accidents, electrical issues, we lost my mother-n-love this spring, and 4.5 months ago I lost my job, just to name a few. I have been struggling to find work. Could I break down and lose it? Of course I could, and I'm not saying I haven't had some moments, but I know and truly believe God is in control. With everything else that has happened I still hold onto God's plan. I have no idea what that is or what it's going to wind up looking like, though I still trust! 

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The point is that growth isn't pretty. It isn't wrapped in a neat little package with a shiny bow on it. If you are not where God wants you it will get messy until you get there. Think of it like this... When a seed is planted in the ground, it has to break through the shell of the seed, push its way through heavy soil (again dirty), and then reach for the sky. All the while trying grow and stand strong through wind, rain, maybe even snow. Its petals may fly off; it will bend and sway and some even get stepped on. That doesn't mean it's over. That means you are withstanding everything this world is throwing at you. 

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When growing through a season, remember that staying close to God is the way to go! It's so easy to throw up your hands and give up. It's so easy to blame God as though He isn't listening or that He doesn't care but I am telling you, He is and He does. If you are a child of God, if you have given your whole life over to Him, He sees you. And although He doesn't want you in pain or sad, life can be hard, and He knows that you have to grow through it to get to it. Of course, we are wishing there was an easier way. Of course, we are always wondering what God is doing and why He isn't making the path smoother. But that is where faith comes in. 

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To trust in God is to trust Him in the dirt. Grow in your faith by praying through and reading your Bible. Every season ends eventually, and we move on to the next. Maybe you feel as though your troubled season is never going to end. You cannot see the light on the other side. Keep pushing through the dirt. All of us grow in our own time. There is no specific end nor beginning. We just keep rolling with the punches until we get there. And I pray that once you do you give God all of the glory for the things you went through. Without them you wouldn't have any idea what amazing plans God has for you!!

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