Day 28 - It Takes Time

Everything on earth has its own time and its own season.

ECCLESIASTES 3:1 (CEV)

I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.

PHILIPPIANS 1:6 (LB)

"The development of Christlike character cannot be rushed.  Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time." p217

"Christlikeness is your eventual destination, but your journey will last a lifetime." p219

"Today we're obsessed with speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness.  We want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution.  We want a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release us from all growing pains.  But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving.  Growth is gradual.  The Bible says, 'Our lives gradually become brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him.'" p219

"There is only one way to develop the habits of Christlike 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.'  If you practice something over time, you get good at it.  Repetition is the mother of character and skill.  These character-building habits are often called 'spiritual disciplines'." p221

"Believe God is working in your life even when you don't feel it.  Spiritual growth is sometimes tedious work, one small step at a time.  Expect gradual improvement....  There are seasons in your spiritual life.  Sometimes you will have a short, intense burst of growth (springtime) followed by a period of stabilising and testing (fall and winter)." p221

Keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned.  This is not a diary of events, but a record of what you are learning.  Write down the insights and life lessons God teaches you about Him, about yourself, about life, relationships, and everything else.  Record these so you can review and remember them and pass them on to the next generation.  The reason we must relearn lessons is that we forget them.  Reviewing your spiritual journal regularly can spare you a lot of unnecessary pain an heartache.  The Bible says, 'It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we have leaned so that we don't drift off.' p222

"We are often in a hurry when God isn't.  You may feel frustrated with the seemingly slow progress you're making in life.  Remember that God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time.  He will use your entire lifetime to prepare you for your role in eternity." p222

"Remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go.  You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.  Years ago people wore a popular button with the letters PBPGINFWMY.  It stood for 'Please Be Patient, God Is Not Finished With Me Yet.'  God isn't finished with you either, so keep on moving forward.  Even the snail reached the ark by persevering!" p223

Point to Ponder:

There are no shortcuts to maturity.

Verse to Remember: 

"God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure He will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again." PHILIPPIANS 1:6 (NCV)

Question to Consider:  

In what area of my spiritual growth do I need to be more patient and persistent?