“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” — 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 (NLT)
Reflection:
Growth is a journey. There’s beauty in the transitions of life, moving from the simplicity of childhood to the complexities of adulthood. When Paul speaks of putting away childish things, he isn't dismissing childhood but rather celebrating the process of maturing spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
As children, our understanding is limited. We live in the moment, often unaware of the bigger picture. But as we grow, God invites us to step into a deeper awareness, one that acknowledges our limitations while trusting His perfect knowledge and timing.
Verse 12 reminds us of the current imperfection of our understanding. Life can feel like looking into a foggy mirror — blurry, distorted, and incomplete. Yet, God promises that one day, we will see with perfect clarity. All the mysteries and unanswered questions will make sense. Our incomplete understanding will be replaced with the fullness of knowing, as we are fully known by God even now.
This truth gives us hope. While we may wrestle with confusion and unanswered prayers, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s perspective is clear, His love is complete, and His plans are perfect.
Application:
1. Embrace Growth: Reflect on areas in your life where you’ve matured. Celebrate those changes and ask God to continue guiding you into greater spiritual maturity.
2. Surrender the Fog: Identify situations where you feel confusion or uncertainty. Lay them before God, trusting that He sees clearly even when you don’t.
3. Practice Trust: Lean into the truth that God knows you completely. Let this assurance lead you to live boldly, trusting in His purpose and love.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for guiding me through the seasons of life. Help me to put away the things that no longer serve Your purpose for me. When life feels unclear and I struggle to understand, remind me of Your perfect clarity and love. Teach me to trust in Your plans and to rest in the knowledge that one day, I will see fully and know completely. Amen.
Closing Thought:
Today, let go of what holds you back from growing and lean into the hope that God’s perfect clarity will one day replace your questions with peace. In the meantime, trust His love and His plan for your life.
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