Ever wish you could fast forward something you wanted to change in your life? As it turns out, God has other plans. Take the next step to learn more…
God Doubles Down
It happened again – a double whammy. This is where I get hit with the same message from different sources. I cracked open my daily devotional, Experiencing God Day by Day, and read a message titled Victory One Step at a Time. Very good message. Shortly after that, I read my Daily Hope email from Pastor Rick Warren. The subject of that email was God Grows Us One Step at a Time. OK God, I’m listening.
Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry Blackaby and Richard Blackaby
“You may eagerly desire maturity in every area of your character, but steady gradual growth is more lasting… He (God) sees your life from eternity and will take as long as necessary to produce lasting spiritual growth in you.”
God Uses Everything in Life
After retiring a year ago, I’ve had more time to study the bible and participate in Small Group (bible) discussions. This journey lead to me to expand my food blog to include these Thyme4Faith posts. You would think this deeper focus would leave me feeling steeped in my understanding of God. But the deeper I go, the more I realize there is to learn. I see now that God is changing me gradually, to create lasting growth. Here are a few examples:
- Quality time with loved ones – way more important than possessions or busyness
- Unforgiveness – total waste of time (actually a sin in God’s eyes)
- Fearing ALS and what the future holds is useless – trusting God brings peace
Years ago I purchased this sign, due to a career crisis I was experiencing. It has helped me (and others I have loaned it to) through various personal challenges. It feels extremely relevant today.
“So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to — the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy” Ephesians 4:22-24
I have come to appreciate that change, whether it’s related to faith or any other aspect of life, is an incremental process. Embrace the gradual change God is working in you. He’s not focused on this week’s to-do list, this quarter’s results or this year’s goals. He’s focused on how you turn out for eternity.
Amen sister!
Do sisters count in on that? I love that the Lord never stops working on us. I am so greatful to have a wonderful family to grow along together with in our faith. Love you all!
Great message mom, I struggle with slowing down also. It is a great reminder of what is truly important to God and should be for me as well.
So glad you liked it! Like mother, like daughter, as they say!
Cathy,
I loved this post. It definitely resonates with me. The change we make in our spiritual lives is gradual to become lasting. (The same is true of my Weight Watchers venture).
Patty M