When we lived in Texas, we had a beautiful azalea bush in our backyard. Planted under a small tree for shade, we watered and tenderly cared for it, yet the azalea refused to grow.

The rapid demise didn’t make sense until we pulled it from the ground and discovered the roots had never left the root ball. The plant had been totally wrapped up in itself.

Sometimes it hurts to breakout of our own little root balls, and it can be painful trying to dig through rocky soil, stretching out as we grow and mature.

Fortunately, God loves us too much to leave us wrapped up in ourselves. His goal is to conform us to the image of His Son. God is our Creator and knows our potential. When He beckons us to step outside of our comfort zones, He has good things planned for our growth and the growth of His kingdom.

I don’t want to be so wrapped up in myself that I miss God’s amazing blessings.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I don’t want to leave my comfort zone. Please help me to remember Your plans are always best and often they are found in the place of the most growth. Grow me in You so I may grow for You.

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)

From The Unnamed Devotional by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/3qZm7XW