Friday 22 October 2021

Pause of growth

Brethren, rejoice at the various trials to which you may be exposed, knowing that the trial of your faith produces patience. James 1:2,3

Everyone knows that in countries with seasons trees give new growth in summer : this is called the vegetation period. When conditions are right, the young shoots can grow up to a meter in length.

It is little known that some trees grow year round. However these trees have two periods of very strong growth : the first period from May to July, the second in September. And in between, in August, there is a break in growth.

Why did the Creator provide for such a pause ? So that the stem hardens and makes its bark. Apparently nothing is happening, but in reality the process of life continues : it is lignification, essential for the survival of the tree. The tender stem must be protected by a bark to be able to withstand the rigors of winter.

In the life of a Christian there are also times when apparently nothing is happening. One would quickly have criticized this inactivity, but it corresponds to a spiritual strengthening : faith is tempered, like iron reddened by fire that the blacksmith soaks in cold water.

This stage in the life of a Christian often corresponds to a time of trial or simple sidelining. The believer seems inactive and useless, but God is training him, giving him resistance, vigor. The Bible gives an example with Moses who spent 40 years in the desert as a shepherd ; apparently these 40 years are fruitless. In reality, God is preparing him for a very important and difficult mission that he will have to accomplish in this same desert of Sinai : to be the shepherd of a people of more than 3 million people and to lead them from Egypt to Canaan.

Let us not despise these periods of strengthening and preparation. We need it to be of service to God. Do not be discouraged when God allows trials that stop us along the way.

No discipline, for the present, seems to be a subject of joy, but of sadness ; but later it renders the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those tried by it (Hebrews 12:11).

Source (The Good Seed)