Embracing Spiritual Growth: We Are All Late Bloomers

In her article, “We Are All Late Bloomers,” Lauren Whitman from the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) offers profound insights into the concept of spiritual growth and the common anxieties surrounding it. Whitman uses the metaphor of a garden to explore how our spiritual development often doesn’t follow the timeline we expect, reminding us that, like plants, our growth is under the care of a divine Gardener.

The Garden Analogy

Whitman begins by sharing a personal anecdote about her garden, where she discovered a hibiscus flower blooming late in the season. This late bloomer brought her unexpected joy and helped her realize that the term “late bloomer,” often used negatively, can also signify a beautiful and unique aspect of growth. She extends this metaphor to our spiritual lives, emphasizing that we, too, can find ourselves blooming later than anticipated in various areas of spiritual maturity.

Anxiety Over Spiritual Growth

One of the key points Whitman addresses is the anxiety many believers feel about their spiritual progress. This anxiety is akin to the concerns parents have about their children’s development. Questions such as “Why is this area of growth taking longer?” or “Will this development level ever be reached?” mirror the internal struggles many face regarding their spiritual journey. These anxieties are not limited to new believers but can be found in anyone struggling with persistent sins, unhelpful patterns, or habits that seem insurmountable.

The Heart of the Struggle

Whitman acknowledges the distress that comes with slow spiritual growth. Many believers desire to be free from particular struggles and sins, and despite sincere efforts—through prayer, repentance, and perseverance—find themselves battling the same issues. This ongoing struggle can lead to discouragement, shame, and even despair. However, Whitman offers a comforting perspective: the pace of our growth is not solely in our hands.

God’s Role in Our Growth

Central to Whitman’s message is the biblical truth that God is deeply involved in our spiritual growth. She cites Hebrews 12:2, which describes Jesus as the “author and perfecter of our faith,” highlighting that our spiritual journey is both initiated and perfected by God. This means that while we are called to run the race with endurance and strive towards holiness, the ultimate responsibility for our growth lies with God. He is the one who began the good work in us and will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Encouragement from Scripture

Whitman draws encouragement from the apostle Paul, who was confident in God’s work in the believers at Philippi. This confidence is not in their ability to complete their spiritual journey but in God’s faithfulness to finish what He started. This perspective shifts the burden from our own efforts to trust in God’s sovereign timing and nurturing care.

The Gardener’s Delight

Whitman concludes with a reassuring image: God as a Gardener who delights in His late bloomers. She reflects on her own joy in discovering the late-blooming hibiscus, likening it to how God delights in our growth, regardless of the timeline. As a Gardener, God is invested in our progress, tending to us daily with care and attention. This personal investment means that our seemingly delayed growth is part of His perfect plan, leading to a greater, more beautiful outcome.

Conclusion

Lauren Whitman’s “We Are All Late Bloomers” is a heartening reminder that spiritual growth is a unique journey for each believer, guided by God’s loving and sovereign hand. Instead of succumbing to anxiety over our pace of growth, we can find peace in knowing that we are under the care of a Gardener who delights in us and is committed to bringing our growth to full bloom in His perfect timing.

For a deeper exploration of this topic, read the full article by Lauren Whitman here.