Growth seems natural; and we, rightly so, are drawn to big numbers. Yet, what is not easily realized is that growth doesn’t just happen. It takes deliberate, consistent effort and work. It starts with small steps in the right direction; rightful small choices; adamant decisions like discarding the non-essential and embracing the important over the urgent. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’1 There usually is no short-cut—one step after the other, persevering, character building, habit forming.
One of the crucial instructions for us is to keep the habit of coming together to encourage one another.2 Through the Victory Group we are able to walk with persons, stand and embrace one another, sit and encourage one another.3 No fail, witnessing each individual be set free brings inexplicable, internal joy that no one can rob. The stories, testimonies, and progressive growth of each individual is encouraging.
In contrast, it is always humbling to consider the magnanimity of God, his creation, his power and wisdom. The Psalmist proclaimed, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”4 Indeed, O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.5
Our malady in the present age is our inclination towards self-reliance. Our measure of success leans on materialism. We tend to compare and envy the glitz and glitter of our neighbor. Worse, we tend to believe the lies. Be still. Consider. Recount the times that you experienced a breakthrough (a break from whatever was holding you down). Wasn’t it necessary to first go through a season of testing? A wrong mindset, a bad habit, or an addiction had to break, right? For unless we are broken and acknowledge our helplessness, we can’t be fixed.
Oh, those who know your name put their trust in you, for you , O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.6 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession!7
Notes:
1. Matthew 5:37
2. Hebrews 10:23-25
3. Gleaned from Psalm 1:1-2
4. Psalm 8:3-4
5. Psalm 8:1,9
6. Psalm 9:10
7. 2 Corinthians 2:14
