In the pursuit of inner growth we can slip into a way of thinking that justifies all pain and disappointment as initiation. And while some of the time that is just fine, the Bible is filled with examples of great men and women taking their pain, fear, frustration, and all manner of lament to God. He is not surprised by our inner lives, and he is not disappointed with our lament.

What does it look like to take our pain to him, rather than trying to hold onto it for the sake of misplaced growth?