When You Don’t Feel Like You’re Growing, But You Are

Some years ago, we planted a pear tree. It was just a small sapling, nothing impressive, and for the longest time, it seemed like nothing was happening. Year after year, no pears. Just a little more height, a few more leaves.

It would have been easy to give up on it. But what we couldn’t see was what was happening beneath the surface. The roots were growing deeper, the foundation was being established, and then—suddenly—one year, the tree was full of pears.

We weren’t ready for it.

And neither were the raccoons.

One night, while we slept, they came in and stripped the tree bare. Every single pear, gone. All that growth, all that waiting, and when the harvest finally arrived, we weren’t prepared to protect it.

God’s Work Takes Time

Spiritual growth is a lot like that pear tree. We want instant results, clear progress, and obvious breakthroughs. But most of the time, God’s work in us happens slowly, in ways we don’t see.

Colossians 2:7 says:
"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."

Roots grow before fruit appears. And if the roots aren’t strong enough, the tree won’t be able to bear the weight of its own fruit.

When Growth Feels Slow

Maybe you’ve been walking with God for a while, but you don’t feel much different. You’re showing up, reading Scripture, praying—but there’s no major revelation, no huge breakthrough.

If that’s you, take heart. Just because you don’t see the change doesn’t mean God isn’t working in you.

Moses spent 40 years in the desert before stepping into his calling. Joseph sat in a prison before stepping into his purpose. Even Jesus spent 30 years in obscurity before His ministry began.

Growth happens before we see the fruit.

Preparing for the Harvest

That pear tree taught us something. Growth takes time, but when the fruit comes, we need to be ready.

How do we prepare?

• Stay faithful in the small things – The fruit of faith isn’t just in the big, visible moments. It’s in daily obedience, unseen prayers, and quiet acts of faithfulness.

• Stay rooted in God’s Word – The deeper your roots, the stronger your faith.

• Be ready for the harvest – Sometimes, we pray for growth, but we aren’t prepared when it comes. Are you cultivating a heart that’s ready for what God wants to do?

Galatians 6:9 reminds 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."

Your Fruit is Coming

That pear tree didn’t bear fruit overnight. But when it did, it was full.

You may not see the results of your faithfulness right away. You may feel like nothing is happening. But God is growing something in you.

Keep trusting. Keep showing up.

Your fruit is coming. And this time, you’ll be ready.

Prayer for Growth and Trust

Father, thank You for the work You are doing in my life, even when I can’t see it. Help me to stay faithful in the seasons where growth feels slow. Strengthen my roots in You so that when the time comes, I am ready for the harvest. Teach me to trust Your timing, to walk in obedience, and to remain steadfast in the waiting.

Guard my heart against discouragement and remind me that You are always at work. When the fruit comes, help me to steward it well and not let it slip away. May my life bring glory to You in every season—whether in growth, waiting, or harvest.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.