Making Room To Grow - Encouragement for Today - May 12, 2026
May 12, 2026
Making Room To Grow
SHALA WILSON
Lee en español
“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us.” Hebrews 12:1a (CSB)
When it comes to growing plants, my thumbs are brown instead of green — literally and figuratively. But some blessed saint designed self-watering pots so I could become a “plant mom” too!
Still, one day I noticed the leaves on my money tree turning yellow and falling off. I was perplexed. Like any resourceful woman, I went to Google, and my research pointed me to the twist tie holding the braided trunk together. The tree had grown so much the once-necessary tie was now choking it.
After a few months of unhindered growth, now you can barely tell I almost killed it!
Like a young plant, we all start off needing extra spiritual support to grow in alignment with the image of Christ. We seek out tools and strategies that help us learn to read our Bibles and share our faith. We have great mentors and friends who pour into us and correct our thinking. As we grow in Christ, we sprout beautiful, lush leaves that can bear so much fruit.
But like my money tree, as we mature, we also need to cultivate environments for ongoing growth. The author of Hebrews admonishes us to “lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us” (Hebrews 12:1a). Most often, we think of hindrances as intrinsically bad things (and sin is that!). But what if some hindrances look like spiritual supports we stay “tied” to long after they have fulfilled their purpose?
It could look like being so dependent upon study guides or Christian books that we never quite learn to dig into the Word of God. It could look like being so dependent on a spiritual mentor that we don’t know how to listen to God Himself.
I’ll never forget reaching out to my mentor for advice once, saying I valued her voice in my life. She was honored but also gently admonished me to value His voice more. It was clear that for me to grow, I needed to release some good and helpful things I was depending on more than God. To be clear, I still seek out wise counsel and instruction (Proverbs 19:20), but I want to discern the counsel of the Holy Spirit first.
Sisters, our good Father wants us to grow into the fullness of Christ. It is natural to outgrow some things that were good so we can embrace the great.
Is there something you turn to first in moments of anxiety other than God and His Word? Confess that to Him, and choose today to release those spiritual ties in exchange for the freedom to thrive.
Father, we want to grow at the pace of Your grace on our lives. We thank You for all the resources and people who have helped us grow. Give us the courage to let go of anything that hinders us from maturing and walking in the fullness of the plan You have for our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
In less than a week, thousands of women will open the Gospel of Mark together in the First 5 app. Beginning May 18, we’ll spend five minutes a day encountering the Savior who steps into real life with compassion, authority, and hope. Mark reminds us that Jesus isn’t distant from our questions or our struggles. He has always met people in the middle of uncertainty, fragile faith, and moments when they didn’t know what to do next — and He meets us there too. If you’re planning to join us for this study, now is the perfect time to prepare. You can get the Mark study guide now in the Proverbs 31 Bookstore, and if you haven’t yet, you can download the First 5 app here to join us on May 18 as we begin this powerful journey through the Gospel of Mark together.
ENGAGE
You can find Shala on Instagram for more everyday reminders of God’s unlimited truths.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Isaiah 30:21, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (NIV).
Proverbs 19:20, “Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life” (CSB).
What are some things that once gave you structure and support but could become a “twist tie” inhibiting your growth? How is God calling you to lean on Him more?
What might you need to change to make room for growth? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Shala Wilson. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
