Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

The Christian life bears a striking resemblance to the experience of a growing child. Reflecting on my own journey, I often think of watching my daughter become a mother to her own child. The bond between a parent and a baby is truly special; consider the typical scene where a baby whimpers and the loving parent rushes to respond. I distinctly recall those tender moments, as my daughter would effortlessly swoop up her little one, providing the nourishment the baby craved. 

However, as babies grow, they undergo a significant transformation. They have to learn to feed themselves. It can be quite the mess, with food splattered everywhere but in the mouth! Any parent can relate to the frustration and joy of watching their child learn to navigate through this stage. There are moments when we’re tempted to simply do it for them, but deep down, we know that it’s necessary for them to learn and grow independently.

This process of growth and independence is similar to our own spiritual journey. Initially, when we are new Christians—akin to newborns in Christ—God appears to respond to our every spiritual cry. Paul reminds us in **1 Corinthians 3:1-2**: “Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.” Just as babies need milk, we often need that immediate nurturing from our heavenly Father as we begin our walk of faith.

However, as we mature spiritually, God, in His infinite wisdom, sometimes allows us to experience periods of silence. This transition can be uncomfortable, much like when parents step back to let their children learn. In **Hebrews 5:12-14**, it states: “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elemental truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” It’s in these moments when we think God may have abandoned us that He is actually empowering us to grow.

Additionally, we find a striking parallel in **Hebrews 5:8**, which reminds us, “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” Jesus too had to learn and grow through challenges. The wilderness experiences we encounter are often opportunities for growth rather than punishment for wrongdoing.

If you find yourself in a wilderness season, recognize that it’s not a sign of abandonment; it is an invitation to grow deeper in your faith. Reflect on what God is teaching you in this time of waiting and maturation. Perhaps you are being equipped to serve Him more effectively. Embrace the wilderness! 

By welcoming these challenges with an open heart, we can transform our wilderness into a rich landscape of spiritual growth. So next time you feel alone or tested, remember that your heavenly Father is right there, watching you learn and grow, just like a parent who lovingly steps back to let their child discover their own strengths. Embrace this journey; it’s a powerful step towards becoming who God designed you to be.