Practical Advice

Growth must be pursued. It does not happen on its own. God has a process of growth he wants to take you on. Colossians 3:5-9 gives us a list of things to put to death.

Pain creates qualities in you that can only be formed through struggle, and God will guide you through it. “for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world”. 1 John 4:4

Don’t see trials and tests as God being against you; instead, understand that they are not about punishment but rather about preparation.

2 Corinthians 2:15, “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,”

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” –Hebrews 10:23-25 

Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”