GOD PLANS TO GROW US SPIRITUALLY
After saving us through his Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins, God plans to grow us spiritually (John 3:16; Romans 8:29).
God who knows each of us has an individualized plan to grow us, as he has for all who come to him through his Son. The Bible shows how God worked his plan in the lives of some of his disciples (Peter and Paul are seen as examples). I have seen how God has been working his plan in my life. How might you have seen God plan to grow you spiritually?
GOD PLANNED PETER’S SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Peter made his livelihood as a fisherman. But Jesus convinced him to become a follower of the Lord. Peter was rash in his thinking and behavior. God was patient in making positive changes in him. As an apostle of the Lord, Peter hastily told the Lord, though all others forsake you, I will never forsake you. But when Jesus was tried before the Sanhedrin Jewish court, Peter timidly denied he knew the Lord three times. When Jesus saw him after Jesus’ resurrection, he taught Peter about God love and forgiveness. The Lord gave Peter an opportunity to repent and to affirm his love for the Lord three times.
After Peter repented and was filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, God began to use him mightily as a fisher of people (Acts 2).
GOD PLANNED PAUL’S SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Paul was a Pharisee who ignorantly persecuted the followers of Jesus Christ. When Paul was on his way to Damascus for more of his persecutions, Jesus appeared to him in a blinding light. Jesus then opened Paul’s eyes to the fact the he was persecuting the Lord’s people. The Lord converted Paul to a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.
After Paul was anointed with the Holy Spirit, Jesus chose him to be a special messenger of the gospel. The Lord made him an example of suffering for the Lord. Acts 9:1-31). Experiencing many adversities Paul traveled to many countries preaching the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 11:16-33).
GOD PLANNED MY SPIRITUAL GROWTH
God used my godly grandmother to teaching and largely influenced me to accept the Lord when I was ten years old. As I have grown in life my spiritual journey has not been smooth. God has shown me even when I fall, if I confess my sin he will forgive me and cause me to rise again (1 John 1:8-9). But he let me know it is not his will that I should continue sinning that he might show me more and more of his loving grace (Romans 6:1). Yet through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; Acts 1:8) God has used trial and adversities—even my failures–to help me grow to be more like the Lord (1 Peter 4:12-13; Romans 8:28-29).
I may not attained my goal of being fully like Christ in this life; yet, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I aspire to be like Jesus in doing what always pleases our heavenly Father (Luke 22:42; John 8:29).
HOW DO YOU SEE GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH?
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior: What do you see that God has done, and is doing in your life to grow you more into the image of his only begotten Son?
If you have not accepted Jesus: You should know that the Lord created you to have a unique and loving relationship with him; and to conform you into his likeness of Jesus (Colossians 1:16; Romans 8:29). You can begin this special relationship with him and grow in the Lord by believing and accepting that he died for your sins; and so that you might have an eternal life of happiness with him (John 3:16).
