You don't really see and can't tell that a large tree is still growing. it is growing though and continually strengthening itself over time. The roots are slowly spreading out to support its growing size and strength. You can tell though when a storm comes and instead of breaking the tree moves and bends and bears up under the power of a storm. I think that is true in a christian's life as well, the best way to see the growth is that it has good roots and it has been through some storms.
Paul spoke alot about the storms of life because he knew that they would come to all of us. But, he also knew that God could use them to strengthen us. In Romans 5:3-5 he says "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." This passage tells us that God is up to something in our adversity. He is attempting to make us stronger through the adversity and will bring something good out of it.
I've had seasons in my life where it didn't seem like much was happening. I could see no great growth going on. Much like trying to watch a tree or grass grow it is hard to see in the minute to minutes times of life. But, then an adversity will come along (as it always does) and it tests the root system. These tests can come in all forms of troubles and anxiety of life. Mine will not be the same as yours as there are things that bother me that might not bother someone else. The point is, that God is up to something in the middle of it. We can do our part by putting down a good root system during those times when we can study, pray, read and witness and worship.
It reminds me of the story about Jesus being tempted by the devil. Of course, Jesus was God in the flesh and knew scripture because it was His Father's Words. But, he had also grown up in the synagogue as a boy being taken there by Joseph and Mary. He had hidden God's word in his heart and when there was a trial it was there to be used to defeat the devil. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." By spending time in God's word it helps us to have light during those dark times in our life when trouble comes. It always amazes me about how ignorant people are about the Bible and what it says. Your job as a believer is to get into the word, to study it, to read it to live it, so that you stay out of situations you have no business being in. But, also it helps guide you during those times when trouble is unavoidable. I want to be more like those trees in my neighbors backyard that stood strong when storms came.
