Growth Through Change: Embracing God's Process in Challenging Seasons
- NLC
- Feb 24
- 3 min read
Are you facing opposition or trials in your spiritual walk? Do you sometimes wonder why growth seems to come with pain and discomfort? There's a profound principle found in Exodus 1:12 that speaks directly to this reality: "But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew."
The Pattern of Growth Through Opposition
When Pharaoh attempted to oppress the Israelites, something remarkable happened - the more pressure he applied, the stronger they became. This wasn't coincidence; it reveals a divine pattern that continues today. Growth often comes through resistance, just as muscles develop by pushing against weights.
But here's the crucial truth: The purpose of affliction isn't destruction - it's development.
Understanding Spiritual Growing Pains
Just as children outgrow their clothes and shoes, spiritual growth requires leaving behind old ways of thinking and operating. You cannot wear size 5 shoes when God has grown you to size 11. Yet many believers try to squeeze into spiritual "clothing" they've long outgrown.
Consider these signs you may be resisting necessary growth:
Clinging to familiar but limiting patterns
Resisting change in your church or spiritual community
Getting offended when God pushes you out of your comfort zone
Running from challenges instead of growing through them
The Danger of Distraction and Destruction
Two enemies often attack during seasons of growth:
Distraction - Attempting to pull your focus away from what God is doing
Destruction - Following closely behind distraction to derail God's work completely
When you allow distraction to take root, destruction isn't far behind. This is why maintaining your position at "the King's table" requires vigilance and commitment.
Maintaining Your Place at the King's Table
Remember the story of Mephibosheth, who was given a place at King David's table? That position came with both privilege and responsibility. Similarly, your place at God's table requires:
Maintaining proper reverence
Staying spiritually groomed
Not taking your position for granted
Remaining faithful even when uncomfortable
Practical Steps for Navigating Growth
Don't Ask to Be Removed Instead of praying "Lord, take this trial away," pray "Lord, be with me through this process."
Trust Leadership God places spiritual leaders to help guide through seasons of change. Trust their guidance even when the path seems unclear.
Stay Committed Don't let temporary discomfort cause you to abandon your spiritual home. Remember - you're there because of Jesus, not personal preference.
Maintain Proper Perspective View challenges as opportunities for multiplication rather than obstacles to avoid.
The Promise of Multiplication
The same God who multiplied Israel under affliction continues to work today. Every trial carries the potential for supernatural increase. Every challenge presents an opportunity for divine multiplication.
But here's the key: You must stay in position.
A Call to Action
Are you currently facing opposition? Instead of running from it, ask yourself:
What is God trying to develop in me through this?
Am I wearing "spiritual clothes" that I've outgrown?
Have I allowed distraction to creep in?
Am I maintaining my position at the King's table with proper reverence?
Remember: The more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.
Your current trial isn't meant to destroy you - it's designed to develop you. Stay faithful. Stay focused. Stay in position. God isn't finished with your growth yet. Growth brings change, and change isn't always comfortable. But comfort isn't God's highest priority - your development is. Choose today to embrace the growth process, knowing that every affliction carries the potential for multiplication. Your position at the King's table is too valuable to sacrifice for temporary comfort. Stand firm in your place of privilege and watch as God turns your trials into triumph.
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