God Grows Us One Step At a Time

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES Life's Healing Choices

God Grows Us One Step At a Time By Rick Warren — Jun 25, 2015 “So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to — the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 TEV) Although God could instantly transform us, he has chosen to develop us slowly. Jesus was deliberate in developing his disciples, just as God allowed the Israelites to take over the Promised Land “little by little,” so they wouldn’t be overwhelmed (Deuteronomy 7:22). He prefers to work in incremental steps in our lives. Why does it take so long to change and grow up? There are several reasons: We are slow learners. We often have to relearn a lesson 40 or 50 times to really get it. The problems keep recurring, and we think, “Not again! I’ve already learned that!” But God knows better. The history of Israel illustrates how quickly we forget the lessons God teaches us and how soon we revert to our old patterns of behavior. We need repeated exposure. We have a lot to unlearn. Since most of our problems — and all of our bad habits — didn’t develop overnight, it’s unrealistic to expect them go away immediately. There is no pill, prayer, or principle that will instantly undo the damage of many years. It requires the hard work of removal and replacement. The Bible calls it “taking off the old self” and “putting on the new self” (Romans 13:12; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:7-10, 14). Growth is often painful and scary. There is no growth without change; there is no change without fear or loss; and there is no loss without pain. Every change involves a loss of some kind. We fear these losses, even if our old ways were self-defeating, because, like a worn out pair of shoes, they were at least comfortable and familiar. Good habits take time to develop. Remember that your character is the sum total of your habits. You can’t claim to be kind unless you are habitually kind. Your habits define your character. There is only one way to develop the habits of Christ-like character: You must practice them — and that takes time! There are no instant habits. Paul urged Timothy, “Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15 GW). Talk It Over Why do you think God allows us to go through pain and loss while we are growing spiritually? What is the bad habit that you’ve had trouble changing in your life? What one thing do you need to practice doing every day so that you are developing Christ-like character?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0x1Cyb-Tzc Today’s Scripture “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV) SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS It’s Only Temporary Your troubles and trials in this life are only temporary. In fact, today’s verse tells us they are momentary. Compared with eternity, our troubles don’t last long at all. As you stand strong in faith during times of adversity, Scripture says that you are achieving eternal glory. When you confess your trust and reliance on God, you are passing the test. If you are in the middle of tough times today, look to Jesus! The Bible says that He is the Author and Finisher of your faith. He is the one who deposits faith in your heart and then tends to it until it is fully developed. Your part is to keep your heart open and choose words of faith and victory. Remember, your words set the course for your life. Confess your faith in the Father. Set your mind on Him. Look for His hand moving in your life. Focus on that eternal glory because your troubles here are only temporary! A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You for working Your eternal glory in me. I cast my cares on You, knowing that my trials and troubles are only temporary. Thank You for Your eternal blessing on my life today and always in Jesus’ name. Amen.”