Gradual Growth

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little. Isaiah 28:10 (New King James Version)

“It is a process and it takes time,” is now my mantra for growth in the Christian life. When I started on this journey in the spring of 2004, I had a ravenous appetite for taking in truth. I devoured books like there was no tomorrow and sat under speakers galore! Something in me felt a strong compulsion to make up for lost time. I wanted to learn it all, experience it all, and find it all as fast as possible! Was there growth? Absolutely! Was there internal and external change? Definitely! Yet full digestion of the truth I was taking in, walking through buried issues, and intimately connecting with God’s heart could not be done at break neck speed. God had to slow me down enough to help me understand that I could not rush growth.

Like any other relationship, I brought baggage into my walk with God and we have been going through the “trunks” together. It has never been His intent for complete exposure all at once. Each day He brings to light the issues we will deal with on THAT particular day. He is acquainted with all my ways and knows my mindsets, strongholds, and weaknesses. Together and at an appropriate pace designed just for me, we have walked through shame, insignificance, idolatry of the heart, insecurities, legalism, freedom, and forgiveness. Do I make mistakes, get it wrong, and get off track at times? Yes! But He is a faithful God and has His hand firmly on me. It is His opinion, His time table, and His purpose that counts in all of it!

I don’t know where you are on your journey with God. Maybe you are presently taking your first timid, baby steps as a new believer or maybe you have walked with God for half a century or maybe you are somewhere in the middle. I applaud the journey and the One who has designed it for you. You are not a lost face in the crowd to Him. You are unique, significant, and favored. He has a work to do in you and delights in the process one moment and one step at a time. In His kingdom there are no quick fixes or Miracle Grow formulas. You are yoked to Him in order to learn of Him, lean on Him, and stay with Him. May today’s progression be all that He had in mind for the two of you!

Father, my heart grieves for anyone who is not on a journey with You and it celebrates those who are! I proclaim the truth that nothing compares to life with You! So here I am….skinned knees and all. Amen.

I'm Not Who I Was - Brandon Heath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3SjCuSkaNs&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.