Growing Pains

Home economics classes nearly broke me. Reading, writing, and arithmetic I could do, but cut out a pattern to make an outfit...to wear? Umm, not my wheelhouse! Stop laughing, please. I survived the cream puffs and baked Alaska...but clothing garments? That went too far! I was in over my head—stretched beyond my comfort zone.

Do you realize that even the early church experienced growing pains? I know; we have all heard that horrible and deceptive voice that told us, “You are the only one going through anything like this!” Spoiler alert: the enemy lied!

Acts 6 gives a beautiful account of growing pains and offers a viable solution that is still practiced in many churches today. Consider this:

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. (Acts 6:1-3 ESV)

Have you ever noticed that people are the same no matter when or where they lived? From cover to cover, the Bible is about real people with real problems. The church grew faster than anyone could have imagined. That was a great problem, right? The disciples devised a plan to offset the problem of neglect and experienced tremendous results. Look what happened when they all came together and followed the plan:

And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:7)

The widows received daily care and the preaching of the Gospel continued to bring multiplication of the church. The apostles were able to continue their devotion to prayer and the Word. The plan worked. Glory to God!

While my home economics class may pale compared to the early church, it was just as problematic. The tedious, time-consuming assignment required more than I thought I could do. We had to pin the pattern on the fabric, cut out the pattern, sew it together, and put in a zipper. Threading the sewing machine was the final straw! I cried out for help and my dad came to my rescue. He helped me make a satisfactory garment, and I really was proud of it. My dad was also able to help my mom with her sewing projects. What a blessing!  

The next time you have a problem to resolve, trust that the Lord will come through for you too. He is still bringing provision and multiplication.

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Scripture is quoted from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.