Spiritual Growth Spurt

When our first child was 6 weeks old she started to get super cranky, fussy and it seemed like the only thing that comforted her was nursing. As a new mom who often questioned my parenting abilities, I thought “Am I doing something wrong? Why is she crying? What’s happening!?”

I asked my husband if he thought she had a fever. My husband’s the calm, cool and collected type. He doesn’t get easily flustered. In my panicked state of what is wrong with my child? I was so grateful for his peace. He replied “Maybe she is going through a grown spurt?”

I did a quick google search, as many first time moms do and sure enough it seemed like she was going through a growth spurt! 

Feel like you are in a rut? Or like you are stretched and you aren't sure what is happening? Recognize it's a spiritual growth spurt. Then embrace it, seek more of God and find your breakthrough. 

In babies, the first growth spurt typically happens between 4 to 8 weeks. Our daughter was 6 weeks so this meant she hit her first growth spurt! I soon learned in childhood there are many growth spurts and times of growing pains. During these spurts babies are often fussy, hungry, tired, inconsolable, and clingy! Many parents say they notice growth spurts right before a big milestone occurs such as crawling, walking, talking. Older children may complain of achy legs or arms; this is usually known as growing pains. 

Times of transition, stretching or growing aren’t always fun. It can sometimes be painful.

This got me thinking.

A baby growth spurt seemed very similar to a spiritual growth spurt. 

Right before a big breakthrough, you may feel uncomfortable or cranky. Have you ever been in a season of life where you felt restless? Anxious for more? Desiring change?

God may put us in uncomfortable situations or seasons to stretch us and help us grow! Just like babies who experience fussiness or hunger right before they learn to walk, we may crave more of the Holy Spirit or God’s presence right before a spiritual breakthrough. 

Instead of physically growing like newborn babies, we grow to become more like Jesus. 

Are YOU Going Through a Spiritual Growth Spurt?

Sometimes in the middle of a spiritual growth spurt we may question “Why is this happening to me God?” or “Are you there God?” These are the moments where we need to cling to Jesus. The next time you feel a little cranky, “off” or unsettled and you think God may want to teach you something, EAT!

Feel like you are in a rut? Or like you are stretched and you aren't sure what is happening? Recognize it's a spiritual growth spurt. Then embrace it, seek more of God and find your breakthrough. 

What does that mean exactly?  In 1 Peter 2:2-3 (NKJV) we read “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

Just as newborn babies desire more milk during growth spurts, satisfy your hunger and thirst by reading your Bible and finding pure spiritual milk! Grow by desiring the milk of the Word. God’s Word will satisfy your thirst!

What to Do When You Feel Uncomfortable

Sit in His presence and ask Him what he has for you. Put on worship music and listen for His voice. Claim scriptures as your own. Memorize His word and meditate on it throughout the day. Although it’s not always comfortable, God has great things in store for you. Allow Him to teach you, stretch you and prune away things that need to be gone. I love writing down my experiences in a journal. When I go back and read I’m always amazed of what God has done! Be deeply rooted in Him.

How do you handle seasons of growth? Are you hungry for more of God? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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2 Comments

  1. This passage may be small, but oh so powerful! I have been having bad thing after bad thing happen to me over the course of a few weeks and it wasn’t until I had a very odd but message filled dream that showed me where I belonged.
    Your growth spurt passage made so much sense, and I now know what He is telling me to do! Amen! 💜

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