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“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV)

We’ve had lots of rain this Spring – in fact, it was raining pretty hard Easter. And with the cool temps and bright sunshine the result is everything is growing. Flowers are blooming. My grass is a nice dark green, and I’ve already mowed twice. I love looking across the fields behind my house, I can literally watch the forest of trees transform within days. It’s one of the reasons I so love this time of year – newness fills the air – growth is everywhere. The beauty of God’s creation is coming alive right before our eyes.

What a pivotal reminder that we, too,  are so beautiful when we are growing in the Lord. An inner transformation not visible at first but gradually emerging as we flourish in our faith. Nourished and fully satisfied in His presence –  a vibrant relationship creating the perfect elements for transformation. Day by day, we are becoming more and more alive as we reflect His image to our world.

Ever wondered why we would choose sameness over growth? What is keeping us stunted, stale  and reflecting too much of the world we live in?  We have an enemy, Satan, and he always beckons us to seek sameness. He knows the glory revealed in those who are intentionally and purposefully growing in the Lord diminishes his impact on this world. His game plan is that we fear change, lack discipline, and excuse away stepping out of our comfort zone. Satan absolutely adores the ugliness of sin darkening our lives and keeping us spiritually immature.

As the early dawn welcomes another day, we each have a choice to go the way of sameness or pursue growth:

• Sameness begins to shrivel while growth transforms us to be more and more like Jesus.
• Sameness is satisfied with where we are at yet growth never settles.
• Sameness avoids the discomfort of change while growth seizes any opportunity to be stretched.
• Sameness denies the complacency surrounding us while growth recognizes and commits to taking the next step.

Sweet friends, may we resist the enemy’s schemes and embrace God’s transformative work within us. May we strategically discipline our lives to pursue God daily so we can grow to be more and more like Him. The journey will look different for each of us, but the glory revealed will always point others to God and away from self.

“Father, when we stay connected to you, we will flourish and grow. Rid us of excuses and desires for sameness and help us to courageously cooperate with Your work in us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life