Growing Well

Father, forgive us for thinking that efficiency means there is never a good day for pruning to occur in our lives.  Let us trust You enough to hear the words that are less comfortable for us, less encouraging on the surface, but essential for the strong growth and fruit-bearing goals You have in mind.  Your ways and timing are the ones that will actually best shape our hearts and lives as we will listen to Your love (both the affirming and corrective words) as You see us clearly and desire our health and wholeness and joy.  Let us be open with You and with another someone who is mature in Your ways, who cares for our heart, and who doesn’t just tell us what we want to hear.  Distant fingerpointing isn’t helpful, but the word of someone who is alongside and will speak truth to us is priceless.

Begin to assess your health in this way… Are you hearing both the affirming words of who God says you are and the ones He speaks to call you from things that would damage you?  If not, ask Him to speak in both ways and give Him your ear to do so.  Repeat continually.