The Paradoxical Ways of God
Spiritual growth often feels backward because it grows us forward in dependence.
“Life as a Christ follower will always be a learning process
of depending less on our strengths and more on God’s power.”
Lysa TerKeurst
Let’s be honest: if God had a “How-To” manual, the world would file it under “Opposites Day.”
Have you noticed?
Want to be great? Become the least.
Want to live? Die to yourself.
Want to be strong? Embrace weakness.
Want to be mature? Let trials have their way. (Oof.)
It's as if spiritual growth happens in reverse—and that’s precisely the point.
Growing Down to Grow Up
From the moment we’re born, the world teaches us to become more independent. We get gold stars for tying our own shoes, making our own way, pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. By the time we leave home, we’re fully immersed in the gospel of self-sufficiency.
Then Jesus steps in and flips the table.
From the moment we’re born again, He begins a gentle, loving process of un-teaching us. Not to make us less capable, but to make us more dependent on Him.
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:4 (NIV)
Maturity in Christ isn’t about needing God less—it’s about needing Him more. And learning that isn’t always easy... or quick... or especially fun.
Trials: God’s Favorite Teaching Tooll
Let’s just say it: trials are not our favorite part of the syllabus.
But they’re essential. Because trials remove the illusion that we’ve got it all together, they push us into a place where our strength fails and God’s grace takes over. As uncomfortable as that is, it’s precisely where growth happens.
"From the time of new birth in Christ, until we leave this earth for 'home,' our heavenly Father teaches us to become more dependent upon Him and less dependent upon ourselves."
That’s why His ways feel so strange. They don’t match the world’s logic. But they are the way to peace, purpose, and spiritual maturity.
Papa Knows Bestt
Can we trust Him—even when His ways are hard to understand? Yes.
Because He loves not as the world loves.
And even when we don’t understand His methods, we can trust His heart.
“Oh, I love Him, but His ways... can be challenging.”
Thankfully, our “Papa” knows what is best. He’s not trying to confuse us—He’s trying to conform us to the image of Christ. And in the upside-down kingdom of God, that is the greatest good of all.
Final Encouragement
If you feel like your life’s direction seems backward, don’t panic—you might just be growing. Trust the process. Trust the paradox. And above all, trust the Father.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for loving me enough to teach me dependence. Help me embrace the uncomfortable lessons, knowing You are forming Christ in me. I may not always understand Your ways—but I trust Your wisdom and love. Amen.