The theme for my trip to Jamaica was spiritual growth. The theme verse was 2 Peter 3:18, “But GROW in grace, and the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.” Although I will not be able to touch the amazing bible studies that were given while we were there, I would like to share what God has laid on my heart.
The first thing that I thought about was, “Am I growing in Christ?” If I looked at my life six months ago, would I see a difference today? Am I allowing God to work through me more than I was a year ago? In a very good bible study given by one of the team leaders the point was brought our that you have no choice but to grow, one direction or the other. So if I can’t see those signs areas of spiritual growth, how am I growing?
So what can I do to grow in the Lord instead of falling into the trap of complacency? “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). God sends us trials to strengthen us , as a blessing! But it is all in how we respond to it that makes the difference. A bone under pressure breaks, but a stone under intense pressure becomes a diamond, the strongest substance on earth. Luke 22:31-32 tells us of a time when God allowed Satan to sift Simon as wheat, but Simon’s faith did not fail and he was strengthened. So if we persevere through the refiners fire, just like Shadrach, Meeshach, and Abednego the only thing that will burnt is what binds us. Jesus is like our weight lifting trainer. He knows just what to send us because He has gone through the same training (Hebrews 5:8-9). He keeps adding just the right amount of weight, not so much as to break us, but enough to cause a struggle. A body builder knows that there has to be a struggle to gain muscle. The trainer is not trying to hurt him by adding weight, but trying to help him reach his goals (in our case maturity).
Another extremely important thing in our “work-out” program is our diet. God has laid out a perfect diet for us. Refrain from junk food (starve the flesh) and eat healthy foods (feed the spirit). “Likewise you also reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin” (Romans 6:11). “They words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jeremiah 15:16). It is very important to be “dining” in Gods word because trials are the application of our study.
As always comments are welcome, feel free to add anything you like. I would like to hear from you.
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (I Peter 5:10)
