Unhooked: Holy in a Hookup WorldSample

Day 37: Growth

Read

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. –Romans 12:2

Connect

Before Saul’s conversion, he was eager to kill Christ’s followers.

He was excited about it. Yet, God still chose him.

In Acts 9, the Lord appeared both to Saul, who’d lost his sight during an encounter with Christ, and to Ananias, whose prayers would restore Saul’s sight.

“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias. “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!” –Acts 9:13

That didn’t matter to Jesus.

“Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.” –Acts 9:15

God chose Saul specifically. Saul’s past didn’t change his purpose. God had a plan for his life all along. But Saul had to be stretched—he had to grow—in order to fulfill it.

You are growing, too.

Every experience you have, every day of this series, and every encounter with Christ stretches you, in a healthy way.

What you’ve done in the past doesn’t stop God from using you. In fact, He uses your past experiences to shape you.

He is equipping you for what He created you for. He’s transforming you so that you can help transform the world—even through intimate relationships.

Healthy, holy relationships don’t just stand out in a hookup world. They change it for the better.

And as you continue to grow, God just might use you to do that.

Pray

Thank You, Jesus, for stretching me! I’m grateful for all the ways I’ve already grown, and I’m excited to grow in new places. I welcome Your continued transformation of my life so that I can help You transform the world around me in ways I haven’t even imagined yet.

Reflect

In which areas of your relationships do you think you’re being challenged to grow? In which areas of your relationships would you still like to learn and grow? What can you do to foster that?