Time to Grow

Bible Reading: Philippians 1:6; 2:12-16

“I still can’t get it!” Kylie exclaimed as she jumped into her mom’s car. She’d just finished another rehearsal for a dance performance that would take place later that month.

“What’s wrong?” Mom asked as she pulled into traffic and headed home.

Kylie sighed heavily. “We’ve been practicing this routine for two weeks, but there’s still a tricky step sequence I fumble every time.” Kylie watched trees go past her window. “Maybe I’ll never get it.”

“Learning new things takes time. I know you’re working hard,” Mom replied as they continued traveling down the road. A minute later, she asked, “See that house over there?”

“What house? Oh, the one that’s still being built. Mom, it’s not really a house yet. It’s a bunch of wood and bricks—just materials,” Kylie answered.

Mom slowed the car so they could gaze at the construction site a bit longer. “It’s a work in progress, yes. But it takes time to build a house—to make something good and important. If we rush, we might not get the results we want,” Mom explained.

“Are you really talking about my routine, Mom? Not just the house?” Kylie asked, grinning.

“That’s right. I’ve watched you learn difficult dances. Give yourself time, keep practicing, and I’m confident you’ll learn it.”

Mom steered into the driveway. As they walked in the door, Kylie headed to the kitchen to help with dinner.

“Being patient with building something meaningful isn’t just for houses and dance steps,” Mom said as she took out a pan. “It’s also something God tells us to do as we grow in Christ.”

“What do you mean?” asked Kylie.

“When we put our faith in Jesus to receive forgiveness and begin a relationship with Him, His Spirit starts working in us, making us more like Jesus.”

Kylie placed napkins on the table. “That takes time, right?”

“Yep,” Mom said. “God doesn’t rush in doing His good work in our lives. He has a purpose for us, and He’s willing to take His time to accomplish it.”

“That house we saw and my dance routine—they’re not finished yet. But they’re on their way,” Kylie mused.

“Just like God’s children,” Mom finished.

-Allison Wilson Lee

How About You?

Do you sometimes get frustrated at not learning a new skill quickly? Do you feel discouraged when you make the same mistakes over and over? Remember that you are still growing and God is faithfully at work in you. He never gets in a hurry! God shows us patience as we grow, and in His power, we can be patient with ourselves too.

Today’s Key Verse:
Philippians 1:6 [Be] confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be patient as you grow