Some days mark us forever. For me, November 21 is one of those days.
Fourteen years ago, my life changed in two very different ways. On that morning, I was celebrating one of the greatest moments of my life—I had just become a credentialed pastor. I was filled with purpose, passion, and anticipation for what God was about to do. But before that day ended, I found myself broken on the side of the road after a cycling accident that nearly took my life. It felt as though the enemy was trying to take me out before my ministry could even begin.
After five surgeries to put me back together, I began a long, painful road to recovery. My wife Kristen was six months pregnant at the time, and the thought of her becoming a widow—and my daughter growing up without a father—wrecked me. Yet in the middle of pain, God whispered a promise: “I’m not done with you yet.”
Fast-forward fourteen years to today—November 21, 2025. Tonight, I’ll step onto the mat at CD Williamson Karate Dojo to test for my second-degree black belt. From wondering if I’d ever walk normally again to standing strong in this moment, I can only lift my hands and say, “To God be the glory.”
Looking back, I see that this wasn’t just about physical recovery—it was about growth. Growth that stretched me spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Growth that forced me to trust God when I couldn’t see the way forward. Growth that taught me the beauty of perseverance and the miracle of grace.
Growth isn’t optional—it’s divine. It’s God’s original plan for our lives.
Growth Is God’s Original Plan
“Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.” — Genesis 1:28
From the very beginning, God designed creation for increase. Growth wasn’t a suggestion—it was a command. Every tree, every seed, every creature was made to multiply. And that includes you.
You were created to bear fruit, to expand, to become more than you were yesterday. Stagnation was never part of God’s design. Whether you’re thriving or just surviving, His call is the same: keep growing.
In John 15:2, Jesus says, “Every branch that bears fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” Growth doesn’t stop at one season of success. God’s goal is ongoing transformation. Each pruning, each challenge, and each season of waiting is His way of preparing you to produce more—more faith, more peace, more impact.
Don’t Mistake Comfort for Completion
When life finally feels stable, it’s tempting to think we’ve “arrived.” But comfort is not the same as completion.
God calls us from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). That means there is always more—more wisdom, more compassion, more spiritual authority He wants to cultivate within us.
Isaiah 54:2–3 tells us to “enlarge the place of your tent… do not hold back.” Growth requires stretching. It requires faith that leans forward when the past tries to pull you back. You may feel tension, but tension is a sign of transformation. Every time you step beyond what’s comfortable, you make room for more of God’s presence and power to move in your life.
The Soil of Struggle Produces the Strongest Roots
Looking back at my accident, I see now that pain became the soil where my faith took root.
Joseph’s life mirrors this truth. His journey to leadership ran through betrayal, imprisonment, and years of misunderstanding. Yet every hardship prepared him for greater purpose. Without the pit, there would have been no palace.
James 1:2–4 tells us to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Why? Because those trials cultivate perseverance, maturity, and strength. The soil of adversity is sacred ground for growth.
So, if you’re in a hard season, don’t retreat—dig deeper. God may be using your struggle to build a foundation strong enough to carry His future blessings.
Stay Planted—Even When Progress Feels Slow
Sometimes growth isn’t visible—but it’s happening underground.
Psalm 1:3 says that the righteous are like trees planted by streams of water. A tree doesn’t grow fruit overnight. Its roots deepen quietly, drawing strength from unseen sources. Likewise, your consistency—your prayers, faithfulness, and obedience—may not get applause, but heaven notices.
Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Growth takes time. It may feel like nothing’s changing, but in reality, God is strengthening your roots. The harvest will come, and it will come right on time.
Break the Limits in Your Mind
Sometimes the biggest barrier to growth isn’t around us—it’s within us.
Ephesians 3:20 declares that God is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” But if we stop asking and stop imagining, we limit what God can do in us.
When I was in physical therapy, I was told I might never run again. I could have accepted that as truth. Instead, I chose to believe that God’s promise was greater than my prognosis. I began to pray bold prayers—not safe ones. I began to imagine myself not just walking, but running. Not just surviving, but thriving.
You may not be recovering from surgery, but you might be healing from heartbreak, disappointment, or loss. Don’t box yourself in with past pain. Ask God to renew your mind and restore your vision. See yourself not as broken, but as being rebuilt. Not as forgotten, but as chosen. Not as finished, but as still growing.
Keep Moving—Your Best Days Are Still Ahead
If you take anything away from my story, let it be this: you are not done yet.
There’s a line from The Office that always sticks with me: “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” Back in those early ministry years—before the accident, before the surgeries, before stepping onto the mat at CD Williamson Karate Dojo—I had no idea how much those “good old days” would shape me. But here’s what I’ve learned: with God, the “good old days” aren’t just behind you. In Him, your best days are still being written.
Maybe your faith feels tired or your dreams feel delayed, but God is not finished writing your story. There are still people for you to love, lessons for you to learn, and fruit for you to bear. Every scar can become a story of His grace. Every setback can become a setup for a greater comeback.
On this anniversary—November 21—I look back and see how far He’s brought me. What once was a day of pain has become a day of praise. What once marked brokenness now marks breakthrough. That’s the power of a growing, faithful God.
So, wherever you are on your journey, keep moving forward. Embrace the stretch. Celebrate the progress. Stay rooted in His Word and open to His Spirit.
You were made to grow. You were made for more.
And if you’re breathing today, it’s proof—God’s not done yet.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being the God who brings beauty out of brokenness. On this day that marks both pain and purpose, I give You glory for the growth You’ve produced in my life. Thank You for turning setbacks into stepping stones and for proving that no season is wasted in Your hands.
Help me to keep stretching, keep believing, and keep growing. When I’m tempted to settle, remind me that You call me from glory to glory. When I face trials, teach me to see them as opportunities for deeper roots. And when I doubt my strength, remind me that Your power is made perfect in weakness.
Today, I choose gratitude over regret, faith over fear, and perseverance over comfort. Let my life be a testimony of Your grace and growth.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement 
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