I visited with some children and asked how excited they were about going back to school. I ask what grade they are in and I received numbers from 2nd all the way to 8th. Two girls in 5th & 6th spoke about wishing they were in high school. They couldn’t wait to grow up. I think the same is true for us spiritually. We don’t want to wait to get where we want to be in Christ. I fully understand that some mature more quickly than others, but I also know God is the one who determines our growth track. The only way for us to grow spiritually is through knowledge of God, time, and experiences we face. (Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23. To be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24. And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.) God chooses to not just snap His finger and make changes in our lives instantly. He allows us to go through growth and experiences so that we learn to trust Him and build our spiritual lives on a firm foundation. When God grows a mature mushroom he does so in 6 hours, but when God wants to grow a mature oak tree he may take 60 years. God promotes as we learn lessons and mature to be more like Him. You are growing everyday. Enjoy the lessons God has for you today, it’s helping you grow. Pastor Don [image: image.png]