Growth Moments

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It is important to look for and recognize the times whenever you can see the work that God is doing in your life. Those moments where we “put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)  When we recognize these moments there are a couple of things that happen as a result.

• Praise: When we overcome a temptation or see the result of a difficult obedience, we can take the opportunity to praise God for His faithfulness and give Him glory for what He is doing in our lives.

• Encouragement: Victories in our lives, no matter how big or small, give us encouragement to keep going forward in our faith.  When we share those experiences with others they are able to receive encouragement as well.

Last week I was able to experience a growth moment while Hal was out of town on business.  He had left on Sunday afternoon and was supposed to get back home on Wednesday evening.  Tuesday night, I had a friend over for coffee after we had put our kids to bed.  As she was walking in the door, Hal called to tell me that their trip was going to be extended through Friday.  

Let me first describe how the scene would have usually looked: I probably would have let out a loud sigh and then whined about how difficult it would be to have the boys by myself, blah, blah, blah.  I then would have spent the next three days making sure he knew how hard it was by complaining and trying my best to make him feel sorry for me.  And even nastier than my actions would have been my heart attitude that was full of the “poor pitiful me” attitude.

This particular time was different.  I was able to express to him that I was ready for him to be home, but that we would be fine and that the hard part was going to be explaining to Big Brother why we weren’t going to get daddy at the airport the next day.  I made it through the week, with joy I might add.  I have been praying for the LORD to cultivate that gentle and quiet spirit that His Word talks about and I saw a glimmer that night. A growth moment. Praise Jesus!  We won’t talk about how I completely acted like a baby less than an hour after he landed at the airport!

Okay, now it is your turn!  When you experience those growth or victory moments, take note and remember them.  Send me an email and tell me about your moment. And if you would like, we can share it on Rubies and Rewards and let others receive the encouragement and God receive the glory!