Growing doesn't come without some sort of pain. The advantage of being aware that God has a plan of good for you during your pain is the definition of hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Although knowing that through all the hurt and trials there will be some sort of blessing, lesson, or reward in some capacity at the end, it doesn't mean the problem can be just wished away or a time frame for the stuggle to end will happen. This is where our group can and DOES thrive.
Fellowship. There is a sense of honor to the term. This honor arises from what entails in fellowship. Fellowship to me is kind of like the knights of the round. There is comradery, loyalty, encouragement, guidance and just knowing that a fellow brother has got your back. This honorable gathering is just what God gives when we are going through these struggles.
So why the title "Growing Pains"? Well, there are a couple reasons. First is what was just mentioned. When going through our hurts and trials we may understand through the Word that it's meant for our benefit, to grow us... and in the process of the growth God provides us other brothers and sisters to assist and strengthen us. But next, it could actually be understood in the context of the growth and pain associated through the actual fellowship.
Our Life Group has been running for about a year and a half now. Obviously it has had its ups and downs for the group as a whole, but recently, it has been seeing some real growth -connected with pain, especially for myself. For the last 3 weeks I've gone through an array of emotions, and doubts but I was reminded about God's grace and the power of Christ through the Life Group.
It all started last week when I was torn up (lots of tough personal problems), and this caused a bad attitude to stir with in me. At the last moment I decided to cancel the Life Group. I called everyone up and notified them of my decision. Like the good brothers they are, they encouraged me with much sympathy, however I stuck with my decision. One of the guys who attends (Bob) happen to stop by and pick up his note book, and as he was ready to leave I heard an unexpected knock. Much to my surprise, it was a young man I had previously met at the college ministry. A week prior, I had told him about our group and told him it was a great way to get connected to other believers. Forgetting I told him this, I forgot to notify him of the cancellation. And would you know it, he shows up expecting a bible study!
Instantly I felt God tugging my heart to have one with him and Bob so I put my emotions away and pulled out my notes. After about an hour of studying Philippians I was blown away by God's grace. He reminded me that this Life Group was there to uplift us and for us to utilize it in our weakness. Needless to say, the growing pains of my walk with God, through fighting my selfish wants and desires to find that selfless walk with God was graciously granted through this group. Sometimes we strive to be that perfect Christian, when all we need is to live a life in appreciation of God's ever extending love through grace.
