Growth opportunities...

Each one of us receive growth opportunities daily.  I say "receive" because they are like gifts.  Our receptivity to these opportunities and our follow-up action with these opportunities will be the indicators to whether or not we truly grow because of them.

What kinds of growth opportunities come your way?  Do you recognize them?  They may come in the form of interruptions, an unexpected job offer, a difficult diagnosis of self/friend/loved one, an accident, a challenging thought or reflection from a book or a speaker, ETC.  The sources are endless.

This morning I read about growth opportunities coming from anxiety.  Now that is something to think about for me.... turning anxiousness around for good to become a growth opportunity instead of a stumbling block.  That sounds pretty awesome.

In today's Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, the devotion speaks of trust and growth:

"STRIVE TO TRUST ME in more and more areas of your life.  Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity.  Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties.  If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations.  Don't waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been.  Start at the present moment--accepting things exactly as they are--and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances.
     Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me.  If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed.  Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind." (page 23) 

The Scripture verses listed for today are: Psalm 52:8; Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amplified)

I will ask the questions that jump out (to me) from this reading:

• What tends to make you anxious? 
• Do you find yourself running away from the challenge(s) or embracing it (them)?
• What in your life feels like you are traveling uphill?  Are you on that journey alone or are you traveling it with the One who will sustain you? 

There are other journeyers along the path who can share strength and sustenance with you.  Don't forget to lean on them for support and to provide support for them.

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra ☺