The Benefits of Growing Slow : Taking Time to Hurt and Heal

I love gardening. For the beauty of the flowers and the fruit and vegetables that burst from the ground to nourish my family, sure. But mainly because it teaches me to not rush toward hope. 

For example, my tomato seeds weren’t growing “fast enough” for me. So, instead of waiting it out, I popped back over to Lowe’s and grabbed a few plants that were already a five or six inches tall and flowering. 

As I was sticking a Cherokee Purple tomato plant into a raised bed, I moved aside the tiny seedling I was giving up on and felt convicted. I wasn’t harming a thing by doing this in my garden, but was I doing this anywhere in my life?

Why do we all want to rush through growing seasons ?

We’re in a transition but we’d rather be on the other side.
We’ve prayed once and want the answer now.
We’re breaking down because we’re waiting on our breakthrough.

We all can admit that it’s human nature to long to hit the fast forward button on suffering, waiting and growing. But, just like in my garden, the growing period is what it takes to produce fruit. 

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) states: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope"

Discomfort is… well… uncomfortable. In a world with Amazon deliveries and microwaves, I think we’ve lost the art of patience, waiting, and growing slow. So, I return to the dirt to remind myself that producing anything good takes time. Often, a lot of time.

What if today, instead of rushing toward hope and healing, we remained present with God where we were? What if we gave Him time to develop down to the roots of our souls the perseverance and character that flourishes into lasting hope?

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Journaling Prompt:
What are you trying to rush through in life right now? Why do you think God allows us to grow slow? What has been developing in you during this time of waiting?

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Reflection Questions:

1. Do you tend to rush toward hope? Why or why not?
2. What do you miss out on when you attempt to skip hardship in life? 
3. What would it look like for you to show up presently and allow God to take His time developing your perseverance and character?

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​Prayer:
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Lord, 
When we want to fast forward through suffering and growing pains, will you remind us to pause and show up presently? That the gift isn’t deliverance, it’s You the Deliverer.
 
Like a gardener, grant us a picture of exactly what You’re up to in the processes of our lives. Show us that growth takes time but that You’re doing something good to bring us hope and bring You glory. 

In a world that glorifies a hurried pace and instant satisfaction, empower us to rest into a heavenly timeline— where we long for eternal impact over a quick fix.

We pray this in your mighty name Jesus,
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Amen