We Have To Shed To Grow
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:18-19
I have a lot of plants in my home. I love how they liven up the space and add beauty to each room. Some of them have been with me for years, growing through multiple seasons.
During winter, a few go dormant. They don’t look as lively as they do in spring or summer. Some even shed a few leaves. And occasionally, I’ve had to prune or cut them back, which always makes me feel a little sad.
But over the years, I’ve learned something important: when plants shed leaves or are pruned, they often start budding again. New growth usually appears near the spot where something once fell away. And more often than not, the new leaves come in stronger, healthier, and fuller than before.
It’s the same with us.
Sometimes, we have to shed old layers to grow into who we’re meant to be. That shedding might involve releasing old habits, outdated mindsets, or beliefs that no longer serve our purpose. And yes, the pruning process can be painful and emotionally tough, but it’s only temporary.
What comes after is growth.
When we let go of what no longer fits, we make room to bloom. We begin becoming the full, thriving version of who God created us to be. And in that transformation, we start to see ourselves more clearly, just as He already sees us.
Reflection: What can you shed in your life to grow into the person God created you to be?
This was an entry from my devotional, Keep Going: 30 Devotionals That Encourage You To Keep Going Every Day
Life can be challenging at times, but there are still so many things to be joyful about. I’ve experienced some challenging and anxiety-ridden times in my life, but through it all, God has sustained me and given me the strength to keep going!
In this devotional, I share encouraging scriptures, relatable stories and experiences, and reflections that I pray will encourage you to persevere through life’s challenges, find joy in the everyday, and trust God through it all. Keep going, friend!
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