My arm has started to get tired after holding Trevor for more than 15 minutes. This means two things 1) I am weak and 2) Trevor is growing! Another way we know that Trevor is growing is seeing him struggle and fuss with incoming teeth. Growing pains are real, and they are uncomfortable but necessary and even good.
Growing pains occur in spiritual growth as well. There are stages in our Christian life in which we are challenged, frustrated, and exposed to pressure that produce growth if only we yield to God's sovereignty in humility (two things I have yet to master). Recently, Kirsten and I have seen a season of testing and frustration in various areas of ministry. My first response is to throw a pity party and try to drum up support for my own cause while vanquishing all foes (actual and imagined). Instead we are pressing more deeply into Jesus and finding in Him our source of identity and joy. In pursuing humility, we are realizing that there are lessons we must learn if we are to grow. There are lessons from our mistakes, lessons from criticism, lessons from difficulty - all of these are fertile ground for growth.
The message of the Gospel helps us here, especially. Consider a famous passage from Paul:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30) In other words, for the believer, all tests are to help conform the individual to be and look more like Jesus! This means we can welcome the growing pains for they are not meant for condemnation (Romans 8:1) but for character building.
Here are some other passages that speak to this encouraging, although difficult, point:
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Count if all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7
Here is the bad news: we are experiencing growing pains. The good news: we are being conformed to the image of Jesus our Savior! This is cause for rejoicing, pressing on, and having an ear and a mind open for each new lesson.
Trevor does not know why his mouth hurts. But I will tell you this, the first time he eats pizza, the pain will be worth it! We do not always understand our struggles, our situation, or even the reason - but for the child of God one thing is certain - when we see Jesus... it will be worth it!
That said, this Christmas (our third in Jamaica) we are not spending alone. Kirsten's parents and brother were able to come down and share in the 80 degree Christmas. We are thrilled to have them and are looking forward to sharing Christmas with them. Despite the hustle, we are intentionally taking time to reflect upon the goodness of God in sending His Son. Christmas in Jamaica is certainly different than in the States. What is not different is the Gospel, which broke into history in a tangible, incarnate way that first Christmas! We hope you find rest and joy in Christ our Savior and Lord even in the midst of the hustle and bustle. 
