How seasons of challenge can double as seasons of growth.
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Weathering Life's Seasons
We will all experience some type of suffering and face “winter” seasons in our lives. Difficult seasons in life can actually be a time of growth and maturity in the Lord. In nature, trees’ roots actually grow down deeper into the earth in the wintertime. Your suffering can actually be what allows your roots in the Lord to grow deeper.
How to Find Purpose in Suffering
Instead of yielding ourselves to complete defeat and despair when we are suffering, we need to allow our roots in Jesus to grow deeper and deeper. During these dark times, the enemy wants you to dry up and rot – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. He will even tempt you to run to other things or people to take away your pain, but we must use those times of trial to draw closer to the Lord and drink deep of His goodness and faithfulness.
Remember, we must remain connected to our life-source, Jesus, the Vine. He alone sustains us through every difficulty. No other thing or person will be able to bring you true life, peace, and wholeness. Learn to rest and abide in the Vine.
Have a prayer request?
Would you like Friendship ATL to join you in prayer for a specific need or concern?
