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When A Baby Tooth Hangs On

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.
Hebrews 5:13

My teenaged son lost his last baby tooth today — about two years past the typical time kids do. 

Usually, the permanent tooth bumps out the baby tooth. In his case, the baby tooth just fused with the adult tooth. Like bone on bone. It wasn’t coming out without a fight, meaning dental extraction.

The dentist warned us that we would hear a “pop” when the tooth came out. And sure enough, we did.

He explained that most teeth have ligaments that hold them in the mouth. Those loosen over time to help the tooth come out. My son’s tooth had no ligaments. It would never have loosened on its own. We needed the skilled hand of the dentist to remove the baby tooth and let the adult tooth come through.

I wonder if God ever has to do that with some of us. We are content with an infant spiritual life. Drinking the milk from devotions, Sunday church and praying before meals. We would never move to solid food on our own. So God moves in to help.

He puts a little pressure on our lives, which causes us to mature. We realize that we really do need Him. So we pray more. We seek Him more. Proverbs 2:4 encourages us to seek the Lord as we would look for hidden treasure. That requires some effort and special tools. 

My son endured a little discomfort to have his baby tooth removed. However, he will be much better off for having his adult tooth. 

Is there a situation in your life right now that feels a little uncomfortable? 

Ask God to use this temporary trial to help you become more spiritually mature. 

Stacy