Spiritual growth is not something that happens in stillness or isolation—it happens in the middle of life’s chaos, through trials, and through our interactions with others. Every person we meet, every hardship we endure, and every test of patience is an opportunity to grow. Yet, too often, we assume that our struggles are unique, that others have it easier, or that we are the only ones carrying burdens.
But the truth is, everyone is facing battles we cannot see. Life is not chaotic for just one person—it is chaotic for all of us. We are all being refined, stretched, and tested in different ways. Our response to these trials determines whether we grow or remain stagnant.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
Rather than resenting hardship, we must learn to see it as part of God’s refining process. Spiritual growth is about becoming more like Christ, and that transformation happens in the hard places, not the easy ones.
Too often, we think spiritual growth is about knowledge—reading more scripture, attending more church services, studying theology. While these things are important, true spiritual maturity is measured not just by what we know, but by how we live.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
Spiritual growth is the building of character—the strengthening of our faith through daily choices, trials, and relationships. It is about producing the Fruits of the Spirit in our lives:
Love – Choosing to love even when it’s hard.
Joy – Finding contentment despite circumstances.
Peace – Trusting God in the chaos.
Patience – Showing restraint when things don’t go our way.
Kindness – Treating others with grace, even when they don’t deserve it.
Goodness – Seeking righteousness in our actions.
Faithfulness – Staying committed to God and His truth.
Gentleness – Responding with humility instead of pride.
Self-control – Resisting temptation and making godly choices.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
These qualities cannot be developed in isolation. They are refined in trials, tested in relationships, and strengthened through practice.
One of the biggest mistakes we make is thinking we can grow spiritually without people. But spiritual growth happens in community.
Patience is learned when dealing with difficult people.
Kindness is tested when someone offends us.
Forgiveness is required when someone wrongs us.
Love is proven when we choose to put others before ourselves.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
We don’t grow just by reading about these things—we grow by living them out. Every person in our life, especially the difficult ones, serves as a tool in God’s hands, refining us into who He wants us to be.
It is easy to become self-focused, thinking our burdens are heavier than those of others. But spiritual growth requires us to see beyond ourselves—to recognize that just as we struggle, so does everyone else.
The cashier who was rude to you? She may be dealing with heartbreak.
The friend who seems distant? He may be battling depression.
The person who cut you off in traffic? He might be rushing to the hospital.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
When we acknowledge that everyone is carrying something, we become more patient, more gracious, and more Christlike. Spiritual growth isn’t just about our personal walk—it’s about how we walk alongside others.
God doesn’t waste pain. Every hardship we endure is an opportunity to develop endurance, wisdom, and deeper faith. Spiritual growth is often forged in the fire of struggle.
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Instead of resenting the difficult seasons, we must lean into them, trusting that God is using them for our good.
When we face uncertainty, we learn faith.
When we face betrayal, we learn forgiveness.
When we face hardship, we learn dependence on God.
We cannot grow stronger without resistance. Trials are not meant to destroy us—they are meant to refine us.
Spiritual growth is not about reaching a final destination—it is a continuous journey of learning, refining, and transforming. We grow through trials, through relationships, and through daily choices to reflect Christ.
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:4
Today, let’s commit to growing—not by waiting for a perfect life, but by embracing the lessons in the one we have. Let’s be patient with ourselves, gracious with others, and willing to let God use every challenge, every relationship, and every struggle to mold us into who He created us to be.
With love and encouragement,
Mizz Ma’am
