The Next Level

It was time for a change.

Sara was ready to leave her Sleeping Beauty Pink walls and Tink Pink trim behind and graduate to a more “big girl” color in her bedroom.   So at her request, we painted our 9-year-old daughter’s room over Christmas break.

This was a familiar feeling.

We’d repainted this room many times before, each change in hue reflecting a new stage in her life.

As we rolled the new color over the old, it made me a little sad to see her leave yet another phase in her life.  Sara had been the biggest Disney Princess fan, but it was time to say goodbye.

She was ready to move on.

But as the new color began to overtake the room, my sadness quickly changed to excitement.

I realized how much I’ve enjoyed watching my daughter blossom.  Sara is maturing into a wonderful young lady.

To be honest, she’s doing exactly what she’s supposed to be doing.

She is growing up… maturing… taking that next step.

Oh, I am a proud mamma. 

I love who she is becoming. 

I enjoy walking through life with her. 

I admire her courage and boldness to embrace life to the fullest. 

I’m proud that she learns from her mistakes rather than crumbles under them.

And you know what?  I think God feels the same way about us.

He loves to watch us in the infancy stage that all Believers go through, learning and growing in our faith.  He’s patient when we make rookie mistakes.  He enjoys our excitement and enthusiasm.

But when it’s time to leave that chapter and move to the next level of growth, God is ready to walk through it with us.

As a matter of fact, He’s already been preparing us to step into this next level of maturity through difficult life experiences, wise friends, and faith-growing times.

While God loves us no matter what stage we’re in, He desires for us to gain the necessary maturity we need to tread into the deeper waters with Him.

He doesn’t want us to stay where we are… comfortable and complacent.

He doesn’t want us to sit on the sidelines… watching the game from the bench.

Nope.

God wants us to do things that help us grow in our faith… things that help us work towards that next level of maturity.  Things like…

• Trusting Him when life changes courses without notice.
• Learning more about His character by spending time in His Word.
• Getting involved in your churches, serving and leading.
• Practicing grace and forgiveness rather than judgment.
• Developing a rich prayer life.
• Being wise with what shows you watch and music you listen to.
• Seeking His will for your life and your circumstances.

And when you have a deeper understanding of who God is, you will find a new level of maturity in your walk… in how you handle hard times… in how you see yourself… in how you care for others.

It’s God’s heart for you.

With a willing heart… good tools… a little time… and a lot of hard work, Sara’s new wall color turned out great and it no longer looks like a little girl room.  It’s been upgraded.

Is God calling you to take a step to the next level?

Will you say YES to His desire to promote to a new chapter of maturity in Him?

REALITY CHECK: Step out of complacency and into your calling.  Take that next step by saying YES to God!

†††

©2012 careyscotttalks.com

Let’s Connect!  Follow me on Twitter, Book Me to speak at your event, Like my Facebook Fan Page, Visit me each Wednesday at “Moms Together,” Learn about LeadHer’s mission to equip women to make an impact for Christ.