This word is submitted by Teresa Seputis [ts@godspeak.net]

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                            Growth Pains

Child of Mine, there is some discomfort involved in growth and maturity.
This is true both in the natural and in the spirit. Think back to the 
time of your own puberty and remember how difficult and awkward that 
time of transition was for you. Likewise, do not be surprised that it
is difficult and awkward when you enter your spiritual puberty.

Many of My own hope to stay in a state of spiritual infancy. They want
to live their entire lives as a "small child" in the kingdom, where they
have very little responsibility and accountability. They desire to be 
spoon-fed instead of working to prepare their own meal. They want to be
carried in My arms instead of learning to successfully walk along a 
difficult path of faith. In short, many of My people want things to 
come easily for them; they do not want to be forced to grow up into 
that place of maturity in Me. 

But I am calling My people to a place of maturity. It is not possible 
to avoid maturing in the spirit any more than it is possible to avoid 
physically growing in the natural. 

Many of My dear ones have tried to avoid this because the growth 
process is uncomfortable for them. But this is a time and season where 
I am requiring My people to grow up, so that they may stand strong and 
faithful in Me. I want to be able to work through My people to 
accomplish My purposes. But just as a parent cannot send their young 
child to work along side of him in the family business, neither can
I send My spiritual infants to work along side of Me in what I desire
to do in this earth. I have a plan and a purpose and a destiny for
each of My own, and that is why I require them to grow and mature--so
that they may accomplish it.

Dear one, I know this process is painful for you. I know how difficult
it is to learn to stand in faith, but you must learn to stand. I know
how difficult it is to lay down your own desires and plans to walk
in obedience to Mine, but it is necessary for you to learn how to do 
that. I know how uncomfortable it is when your flaws and shortcomings
rise up to the surface, but I must expose them I am going to extract 
them from your life. I know how painful the hurts of the past can be 
and how difficult it is to forgive those who wronged you, but these 
things must be brought to the surface so that they can be addressed
and overcome.

Dear one, your periods of rapid growth and maturity will seem awkward 
for you, but do not fear. I will be with you and I will remain beside
you and I will bring you through into that place of maturity and 
grace in Me. Do not fear the growth process, little one. Instead
look forward to what you will be like once you are more fully matured.
And do not fear that I will reject you or push you away as you work
your way through this awkward maturity process. I will not be appalled
by your struggles, for I have already seen what you will be when
you come out the other side, and I look forward to bringing you there.

You cannot avoid this process of growing and maturing in Me, but it
doesn't have to be so difficult for you. Rest in My arms and focus on
Me, and I will encompass you in My love and grace. I will help
you through this process; I will lead and guide you, and I will 
strengthen you. In fact, the more you submit to Me in this, the more
quickly I will cause you to come through this process and into that
place of maturity in Me.