We might look around and feel behind compared to others. But what appears as delayed or stalled might just take longer to develop. Things of greater depth and complexity often require prolonged periods of gestation.
For instance, the total life cycle of a fruit fly is completed in less than two months.
On the other hand, humans are barely recognizable at this point. We still have several months before birth and several years before the maturity of adulthood.
But it goes without saying we have much more to develop than the fruit fly. And it’s a mistake to assume we’re behind because we’re not developing as quick.
While this is easy to see with a fruit fly, we tend to miss it as we compare our lives to others.
We see our peers succeeding and coming into their own. And naturally we wonder when our turn is coming.
Jealousy might also start to creep in. We know our hard work and we start to lose heart as we’re not yet able to enjoy the fruit of our labor.
But everyone has their own story and our development might not pace with others.
To be sure, we should regularly consider if we’re doing all we need to do to grow. We cannot expect to achieve our potential when we’re lazy.
But as we’re faithful to what God has given us we must be careful not to falsely compare our stories to others.
What God is growing in us might simply need more time to develop. And our longer period of gestation likely points to the greater depth and complexity needed to accomplish what he has called us to.
While the waiting is hard, we trust God is maturing us into exactly the man he needs us to be. And we’re right on time.
You’re not behind. A prolonged gestation is needed for God’s best to be forged in you.
Photo by Ilias Chebbi on Unsplash
