What God has taught me in this season of life is that everything worthwhile requires hard work and discipline. There are no shortcuts to achieving something and there certainly is no painless way through the process. The cross was bloody and we are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ at whatever cost.

These are hard truths to handle, but our lord and savior requires nothing short of that. In my selfish nature, every time I think about a goal or want something, I think of ways to rush and get what I want now. I must remind myself that there is no such thing as fast growth. Growth is slow and often times painful.

I like the analogy of the bamboo tree. When a bamboo tree is planted, it looks like nothing happens in the first five years. That is because the roots of the tree are forming underneath the ground. When the roots are done forming, the tree sprouts up very quickly and becomes full grown.

A lot of times when we start something, we don’t see progress right away. In fact, it might take weeks, months, or even years to see progress. This isn’t really about earthly things, but about our spiritual lives. God does not rush His process with us. Like the bamboo tree, He takes His time developing roots in our lives that will cause us to grow and stand strong.

One important truth about this is found in 1 Corinthians 3:6. Paul explains how he planted, Apollos watered, and God made the faith of the other believers grow. Our job is not to force or create outcomes. Our responsibility, like a farmer, is to plant and water.

I love this truth because it reminds me that God is in control of the pace and the outcome. He has the final say on everything. Every time I get impatient, I try to remind myself of this truth and remember that what I am doing on this earth is not about me nor is it for me, but for Him.

I hope this helps and encourages you!

-Philip