Growth....It's a Process

I have two people in my life that in the past year I have had the honor of praying with and for, helping in a time of their need, and after a year I see where their paths have lead them. One of my two friends is a girl, so naturally now you know the other is a _________, yes boy.
The young lady has been pressing into the Lord's word, dancing with Him, healing through him, and she alone is definitely not the same young woman I met a year ago. I see her growth and the love she has in her heart for a desired change. Her life was upside down, she was so concerned for her children that she couldn't concentrate on anything else; most of all herself. When she walked you could see the load of troubles carried on her shoulders. Today, her load is so much lighter. She has a spring in her step, a song on her heart, and joy in her eyes. She is a treasure to know.
My young lad is still struggling, he wants to trust in the Lord, but has a difficult time doing it. I have had the honor of meeting his wonderful family. He travels to wherever he can for work, even if it's in another state, just to feed them and pay the bills. Now he is in such a position that I don't know how to help but to call on the name of Jesus for His provision. I wanted to help too, but all I could do was lead him back to who God is; Jehovah Jireh. The same God who provided a way for Abraham with a ram at the same time he was about to sacrifice his only son Isaac. God showed himself to provide when there appeared to be no provision. I pray for my friend to truly seek God's face and grow in that faith.
I don't know if it is more difficult for men to trust in a man they cannot see than it is for a woman. I do know that for a woman who wants to be held, it is difficult to feel an invisible God. Yet, when we surrender we can.  I do know that for a man, he is called to be a warrior, a man that fixes things, yet he can't fix everything or he would have no need for a God.
Sometimes, I want the Lord to just have me stick with women, I can understand them much better; I am one. Yet, I have two male friends come across my mind that the Lord is saying "see, you helped them though, look at them now."
My friend Craig, once said to me "you don't know who all you affect after you talk with them or meet them. You may not know until you get to heaven."  He is right, we don't know who is affected by our words or actions. We may never know. What I do know is  that those who have walked on my path and have given me God's word, helped me during my struggles and don't know who I am or where I am today, are the very ones I want to be and meet in heaven. I don't know who I affect, but I am excited to know that by the grace of God there goes I.
Seeing others change their life like I did gives me great joy. Those that I know are on the road of redemption and restoration I am excited for. Growth in a person is the greatest gift anyone could ever give me. It is with great joy that I am on the front lines for Jesus. I am excited to be doing His work wherever He puts me. It may be in the lion's den, but I know my God is with me. With God all things are possible and without Him I cannot do anything. It is the same for you and me.
If you are like my sister, who has experienced great growth with her relationship with Christ, I can't wait to meet you. If you are like my brother who is still struggling with his growth in trusting Christ, keep pressing onward, strive for the prize of peace, joy, love, and self control found in trusting in Jesus Christ.
Never surrender to the enemy and Never give up to his tactics. The Lord has a plan and promise to prosper you not to harm you but to give you a hope and a future.

Be Encouraged by Growth