“Growth is Happening Beneath the Surface”
You’re Growing
Last May I was able to deliver a message to my congregation titled “April Showers Bring May Flowers: Bloom.”
But the message went beyond spring, as I was lead to speak of the process and strength of the roots of a flower before it blooms and what prevents it from dying during stormy seasons and the winter months.
Growth often emerges from discomfort. You may not see or feel what’s taking place within you, but much like the arrival of spring with every changing season your roots are growing deeper—from all the things you’ve endured there’s a bloom soon to take place. It’ll be a suddenly, something that will even surprise you, something that will appear as if it took place overnight, just as the flowers bloom in the spring.
In the cold, seemingly lifeless season of winter, it can feel as though nothing is happening. But beneath the surface, life is stirring—believe it or not beautiful flowers are still alive in the root (DEEP WITHIN) even when no petals are visible to the human eyes. Bulbs are alive, quietly storing energy, their roots digging deeper to prepare for their vibrant bloom when the time is right.
This process reminds us that even in stillness, growth is happening. Even in silence life is happening! Just as the most beautiful plants and flowers endure the harshness of winter to thrive in spring, our personal challenges can pave the way for incredible transformation.
Some of you might feeling like you’re living your longest “winter season.” Facing back-to-back challenges—a job loss, strained relationships, and even moments where you may have doubted your own purpose. It may feel like nothing in your life is moving forward, as if you’ve been stuck in the same unchanging, cold season.
But what you may not realize is how much is truly happening beneath the surface. The time of stillness and hardship can pushed you to dig deeper into your faith. Began journaling, praying more intentionally, and asking God to show you the lessons He wanted you to learn. Take small steps to regain focus, even when you can’t see immediate results.
Months later, you’ll see that everything will begin to bloom. A new job that will align with your passion will open up. Your relationships will deepened because you will learn to set boundaries and communicate with grace—and the strength you build in your waiting season will make you unshakable when new challenges arise.
The Bible reminds us of this truth in James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
Sometimes we want immediate answers, visible change, or quick growth, but it’s in the quiet, hidden seasons that God is preparing us. Just like those bulbs in winter, we’re gaining strength, deepening our roots, and storing the energy we’ll need for the next season.
If you’re in a winter season right now, take heart. Growth is happening beneath the surface, even if you can’t see it yet. The discomfort is temporary, but the transformation it brings will last forever. Spring is coming, and when it does, you’ll see the beauty that was always in the making.
You’re Growing — Spring is Coming!
©️2025 Denise Kilby New Hope MHCLC. All rights reserved.
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