Seasons of suffering and silence grow us in ways we would have never grown if we had not walked though the fire. There are aspects about God and his character we wouldn’t have known had we not experienced those hard places. We learn about his faithfulness. His kindness in the encouragement from another believer. His provision. We often don’t see this in the middle. How many times have you come to almost appreciate your season of waiting because of how it made you stronger in the Lord and forced you to trust him more?

Remember: Luke 2:39-40

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. - Luke 2:39-40

We don’t often think that Jesus would need to experience growth and strengthening. Remember, he is God in the flesh. The Creator of all mankind. He had to learn to walk and feed himself. He went through puberty. He faced temptations and struggles with the limitations that come with living in a human body. The amazing part of all this is that he did every bit of it without sin. He was tempted like we were. He struggled with the same things that we struggled with. He felt grief and pain and sadness and sickness. He walked through it all in purity, because the favor of God was on him.

Reflect

Our season of waiting and suffering is meant to strengthen us, to grow our faith, to make us stronger in our trust, to leave us more dependent on him. Whatever you may be facing right now, know that God is strengthening you and growing you in the process. But more than that, rest in the fact that because of Jesus — because he lived a perfect, sinless life — that life is gifted to us. When God looks at you, he sees his perfect Son. His favor is resting on you, even IN you!

So, in your current circumstance right now, as you trust in Jesus, as you wait, know that God‘s favor rests on you. He is strengthening you through the trial and growing you. He will give you wisdom as you wait if you simply ask.

Respond

Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:

Breathe In:

When I feel weak,

Breathe Out:

You are my strength.

The Journey

This journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com