Spiritual StaminaSample

You Are So Ready For This!

When I was 18 years old, I was excited to experience college life far from home. On moving day at the dorm, I bravely embraced my mom and told her Christmas would come before we knew it, but my dad could see through my exterior. Speaking straight to my fear, he grabbed me by the shoulders and said, “Son, you are so ready for this!”

Knowing how to let go is an important but difficult part of parenting. Growth is an inescapable part of life. If we lingered in childhood and never matured, we would be holistically unprepared for the challenges life brings us. Like growth, difficulties are inevitable, and when they show up, we desperately need the stamina to endure them.

How do we make it to the other side of trials stronger than before? In weight training, muscles strengthen when they are pushed to their limits. Likewise, stamina will undoubtedly develop as we are stretched beyond our comfort zones. This comes with maturity. And let’s face it, we could all grow up a little! Individuals are taking longer to grow up now than before. More young people are transitioning into adulthood while still dependent on their parents; the modern-day term is extended adolescence.

I wonder if this is also happening spiritually?

When Jesus calls people to follow him, it’s clear that time spent with him leads to progress in spiritual maturity. For his disciples to remain in the same condition as when he first called them was not an option. On one occasion, he gathered up seventy-two of his followers and sent them to heal the sick and preach about the kingdom of God on their own. Even though they may have felt reluctant, Jesus knew that pushing them out of the nest was necessary. He stretched them beyond their comfort level so they could continue the work he was doing. He knew they were ready for it.

Reflection: Am I dependent on pastors or spiritual mentors to feed me the gospel? Could a lack of strength for a hard situation in my life be linked to a lack of spiritual maturity?

Prayer: Jesus, help me to grow in spiritual maturity so I can increase stamina. Even when I feel like a sheep among wolves, help me remember that you are with me, protecting and strengthening me on my journey.