I am so thankful for salvation. On a regular basis, I find myself utterly overwhelmed by the realization of what I have as a child of the King. I cannot imagine life without Him.
But yesterday as I worded prayers of thankfulness for my salvation, my thoughts took a turn they have never taken before. I realized that there are areas of growth I would never experience were it not for that salvation.
I thought of certain people I am currently praying for. I pray for some to discover the beauty of the peace that can only come from the Holy Spirit. I pray for depths of joy. I pray for trust. For wisdom. For rest.
As I thanked the Lord for these people and then began to pray for them, I realized something. I get to pray for growth in these people because they are children of the King. My brothers and sisters in salvation.
Oh, what delight! Because of salvation, they get to experience growth! Because of salvation, I get to experience growth, too! I get to learn how to hear His voice more clearly. I get to grow in joy. I grow in peace. In truth, wisdom, and rest. Oh, what joy!
Growth is not always an easy thing. Sometimes it is painful. We grow through struggles and trials, and they are never fun. But, true growth is also such a gift! It is something that can only come to those who have received the salvation bought by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Without salvation, we cannot possibly grow in peace, joy, trust, wisdom, and true rest.
Yes, I am still in awe of the salvation I so greatly do not deserve. It still causes me to be overwhelmed with thankfulness. But God did not stop there. He took our overflowing cups of blessing and poured even more into them when He gave us the gift of growth.
Thank You, Lord, for growth!
Not Quite Ordinary 