Grow

I have a plant that is almost twenty years old. I recieved it for my twenty second birthday. It has been in the same container the whole time. It's growth has been intentionally stagnated to keep it from out growing the room in which it is stored. We as believers grow from one faith to another faith in Christ. I believe God moves us so that we gain increase and never out grow where we are at any given point. The next trial always seems to be greater than the last. The coming season seems to last longer the the previous one. That plant could be much larger than it is right now but because it has not been moved, it is much smaller than it should be. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:(Phil. 1:6) God is constantly working in our lives to produce the maturity that will allow us to be productive in His kingdom. The next faith we obtain wiill equip us for the next trial we endure.

Have you ever heard the saying, "Don't send a boy to do a man's job?" When Jesus was twelve years old He was found in the temple. While in the temple He amazed the priests with His knowledge and the way He expounded on the Holy Scriptures (Luke 2:47). Despite His knowledge of the Word of God He was not ready or the time had not come to enter into His ministry. Jesus responded to Mary when she found Him after three days. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? (Luke 2:49) Knowing who we are does not give us the right to ministry. The Scripture tells us that Jesus grew from that point in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man. Jesus followed the process of growth. It would be seventeen years until He does a miracle or calls a disciple. He didn't rush His anointing or force His way into ministry. He waited for His appointed time.

Faith is a container that allows us to grow. By faith we are enabled to please God. (Heb. 11:6) When our faith moves us from one place with God into another we are responsible to grow in that place. Waiting on the Lord is a process that takes place during the growing season. We learn how to renew our strength. We learn how to use divine providence and continue to make forward progress dispite obstacles. He will move or even transplant in due season. The next place will be different from the current one and by faith we grow to achieve the goal which is favor with God. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.(Rom. 1:17) There is only one thing left to do at this point. Grow.