One of our family’s core values is “Growth.” We define it as “stretching into the person God created us to be.” That means the metric of success is not necessarily what other people might see as a win. The victory isn’t found merely in a trophy or a grade or an accolade or score. The win is the stretch. The ultimate accomplishment is growth that draws us closer toward the person God always had in mind when He created us.

There is a rich joy that comes through the process of stretching and growing. I remember well the first steps of each of my four kids. Some walked super early. Others took longer than most. But at the end of the day, I didn’t only take joy in the kid that was the quickest. I hold each of the four moments with joy in my memory. Because each one represented a profound moment when they were stretching into their potential. Each of my babies crossed a growth threshold, and they never looked back. And that’s the win. That’s the victory. And low and behold, joy was slathered all over each individual moment.

Reflect on the process of stretching and growing in your faith. Look how God uses challenges and opportunities for growth to shape our character and deepen our joy in Him. Just as Paul declares his ability to face all circumstances through Christ who strengthens him, let us embrace challenges as avenues for spiritual maturity and joy.

God equips us with His strength to navigate every season of stretching and growth. As we step out in faith, His joy becomes our anchor amidst uncertainty and change. Today, embrace the journey of becoming more like Jesus, knowing that our joy in Him is a testament to His transforming power. Stretch into the person God has designed for you to be and rejoice in the knowledge that your Father is celebrating your every step.