Day 28 Message

Rivers Edge
Via de Cristo

             
 

      
Day 28 Readings

Book It Takes Time - Page 217
Bible Philippians 1:6
2 Corinthians 3:18
1 Timothy 4:15


Day 28 - It Takes Time

There is no shortcut to spiritual maturity. Just like a good friendship takes a long time to develop, so does a good relationship with God. God does not want to come in and completely change you in an instant; he wants you to grow up strong. That takes time.
There are reasons it takes time. Humans are slow to learn. We often repeat our mistakes, and we have to repeat what we do right in order to really learn it. We have a lot of new things to learn. Our sin habits and our old attitudes were developed over years, and it takes time to see things from God's point of view. We have to come to the point where we understand ourselves. Addicts usually think that they could stop at any time. We have to learn that we need help to get past what we want to leave behind.

Growth can be scary, and God wants to take us at a pace that does not make us want to run away. However, if we don't keep trying to get closer to him, even these small steps will be frightening. Habits aren't formed overnight. We have to keep doing the right things over and over until it becomes part of who we are. If the first time we did something it became a permanent part of who we are, we could never get past our mistakes.

We don't always feel like we are growing. Trust that God is still working. Keep a journal of where you are and what you struggle with, and looking back over it later will help you see where you have developed. Be patient. Accept that it takes time, and be glad God wants to keep working with you. Finally, don't get discouraged. Know that God is trying to help you make your life better, and when the going is hard, you are getting stronger.

Thinking about my purpose:
Know. There is no shortcut to maturity.
Remember. "God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again." -Philippians 1.6 (NCV)
Think about it. Where do I need to keep trying to develop spiritually?

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