Post 23: New Year, New Growth
Image: A young, budding dogwood tree growing next to a lake with snow fall on the ground
Summary: This short post discusses how I began to experience spiritual growth in my new reconciled life with God through Christ Jesus, and ways in which I look forward to continued growth in faith.
As a newer Christian, I thought it would be beneficial to other new Christians to give testimony in my life of how I have been experiencing growth in my faith in Christ as well as sharing my thoughts on how we as Christians can continue our spiritual growth and renewal in the Lord.
Thus far in my walk with Christ, I've come to realize that the most important thing I can do as Christian to spur spiritual growth is to spend time daily with God. This includes learning about God through reading His Holy Word (e.g. the bible), talking to Him in prayer, living in obedience His word, and being in regular fellowship with like-minded believers. I can attest that, as I've began to regularly do these things, I have experienced growth in my faith in God through Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior.
While I recognize, thank, and praise God for my growth in faith thus far, I know that I have so much more growing to do as I continue to mature as a believer, and there are a number of areas in which I am wanting to see new growth in this coming year.
Areas for upcoming spiritual growth:
One main way I know I will see continued growth in my faith in this coming year is to pursue a greater commitment to dedicated time every day for prayer, bible reading, and worship. Our faith grows as we continue to learn about who God is through His word, apply His word in our lives, and trust God in all areas of our lives. I am excited to see how my faith in God will continue to grow as I continue in this life-long commitment.
I also want to grow to love God more, which will then help me to love people more and hate sin more. While I know that my salvation is not a feeling nor does not come from any feeling I have towards God or sin, it is because of His mercy and grace in the salvation He offers us through Christ and His role as the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present God of all creation that I want to know Him more and love Him more.
I know that in the salvation of Christ, I am purposed for the good gospel works God has set aside for me since from before time began. With this in mind, I am looking forward with hope that God might reveal any specific works, path, or direction He wants for my life. I also desire to see increased fruitfulness for God's kingdom, in that someone who I've shared the gospel with might come to repent of their own way and put their trust in Christ for salvation, but I know that it is ultimately God who saves us and not our effort that saves (Acts 2:47, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7).
Another area I hope to experience growth is increasing gospel-centered outreach and developing more boldness to share the gospel with all those who are lost and unrepentant. Growth in this area might include outreach to homeless shelters, sick and shut in members of churches, visiting hospitals and nursing homes, or even sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with regular, everyday folks in my path.
In this coming year, I also desire to see an increased recognition of God's presence, working, and provision in my life and the lives of those around me. I also hope to be a better steward with what God has given me (e.g. salvation, finance, resources, talents, time, grace, etc.) and lead me to better demonstrate my faith in Him by my works (Matthew 5:16, James 2:17).
One final point of potential growth I hope to see this coming year is an increased commitment to Christ-centered discipleship. I am currently learning about what discipleship is, and I know that as I continue to abide in Christ and study Gods word, I will grow in knowledge of discipleship and be able to better apply that knowledge practically.
Conclusion:
This new year, I look forward with hope in God's guidance and continued work in my life, and molding me more into the likeness of Christ. I also hope to grow to more completely acknowledge and trust the Lord in all areas of my life, that He might establish my steps and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:24, Proverbs 3:5-6). In the salvation that Christ offers by grace through faith in His death on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins, God has given me eternal life, a living faith, divine purpose, peace that surpasses all understanding, and His Holy Spirit that enables me to live a Christ-centered life! All praise, glory, and honor to God and Savior for who He is and what He has done!
Prayer of growth for this new year:
Heavenly Father,
In this new year, I pray that You would continue to mold me to be more like Christ, that I would unashamedly be a good steward of the light of Christ and that I would continue walking in Your divine purpose. Help me to continue anchoring myself in the eternal blessed hope of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Your Only Begotten Son! Help me to remain in the True Vine that is your Son Jesus, and reveal the things in my life that need pruning or removal, that I may become more fruitful for your glory and your Kingdom. O' Lord, help me to fully trust in You in all areas of my life and seek first Your Kingdom in all aspects. Keep me anchored in Your promises, letting go of past burdens, and seeking the glorious light of Christ to guide my steps into an eternal future filled with His grace and blessings! AMEN!