A few beautiful truths have been firmly planted as a result:
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” Hebrews 12:1
There is a race marked out for you.
There is spiritual warfare in this world that attempts to hinder us all.
Living victoriously means continually growing and transforming into the person God desires I be. Growing spiritually also involves realizing that I don’t make myself grow.
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6
God makes us grow.
There are many of us who may believe we make ourselves grow through study, practice, and dedication. Yet, the scriptures share:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” Proverbs 1:7
“…apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
If we are not growing, or we feel stuck, we must ask ourselves:
How do I remove the hindrances from my growth?
What barriers are causing me not to grow?
Answering these questions helps pinpoint the obstacles in our spiritual walk far greater than asking, “Why am I not growing?”
Everything grows under The Right Conditions. A plant saturated in water does not grow, nor does a plant dry to the root grow. The key to growth of any plant, person, or living thing is the right conditions.
Under what conditions does God allow you to reach your fullest potential?
I appreciate that Paul advises us to throw off everything that hinders us. Hindrances stop us dead in our tracks, and sometimes cause us to backpedal.
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7
“The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.” Revelation 2:11
“To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” Revelation 2:17
“To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations…” Revelation 2:36
“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” Revelation 3:5
“The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.” Revelation 3:12
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21
These promises are worth digging deep into our life’s guide to discover the key to our spiritual growth and pray for God to complete the great work He has begun in us.
Find out the right conditions to propel growth in your spiritual life. Throw off anything that hinders you....
Then, fight the good fight, keep the faith, and win this race!
