Over the Christmas break, my wife and I made the daunting decision to potty train our 2.5 year old daughter. Not the most exciting, or relaxing, way to spend a break, but it was time. Of the many struggles that come in potty training, the one I least understand is how they can have an accident and go on playing as if nothing happened, like they don’t feel something isn’t right, or uncomfortable. This is when it hit me how often this is similar to our own spiritual growth.
We all want growth, but in order to grow we have to stop what we’re doing long enough to realize something isn’t right. Far too often we choose to deal with the malaise of complacency and routine in order to remain comfortable. Our reluctance to leave comfort stems from fear—fear of uncertainty, failure, disappointment, pain, or just the feeling of discomfort itself. Yet, spiritual growth and freedom comes through surrender, releasing these fears and fully trusting God.
We are not alone in this. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” True growth and connection with God occur when we allow Him to lead us beyond our perceived limitations into the vast expanse of His grace.
I encourage you, with the help of the Spirit, to take the baby steps needed and deal with the short lived discomfort in order to experience the freedom and grace of drawing nearer to him. He wants to be nearer to you too.
Mr. Dogterom
Middle School Teacher