Thank God for Growth in 2011: Be Resolved to Continuously Mature in the New Year
The ending of a year always puts me in a place of reflection.
I like to look back over the months and think about the tests I endured, what I learned, and how I matured. This time I allowed my mind to drift back over the past couple of years, after I came across an email from 2009 detailing some of the harsh realities of my life during that time. My eyes bucked and jaws dropped as I read through what I’d written about my life two years ago. “Wow, God” I whispered to myself as tears filled my eyes.
I became so emotional, because as I looked back into that moment in time I realized how much I’ve grown and matured in Christ during the passing years that followed.
There are things, places, people, and conversations which were once at the top of my interest list, that no longer tickle my fancy. My paradigm, priorities, passions, pleasures, and plans have changed tremendously as I am developing into the woman God created me to be.
I am so thankful that God has helped me to change my foolish, immature ways (I had plenty!), and has shifted my focus on being that virtuous, purpose- driven woman with a true desire to live wholeheartedly for Christ.
It feels good to look back and clearly see how much I’ve grown as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and servant of the Lord. Though I know I am yet a work in progress, as we all are, I am thankful for both spiritual and natural maturity.
As we embark upon this New Year, I simply resolve to continuously grow in Christ through prayer, fasting, and studying and applying His word.
I believe there comes a point in life when our thought pattern, our actions, our choices, and our priorities need to shift. We should not be the same way we were 5 years ago, as we should always strive to grow from faith to faith. Because maturity is not guaranteed with age, our relationship with Christ should cause us to want to constantly seek Him for wisdom regarding how we can grow in Him. I think 2 Peter 3:18 should serve as every Christian’s mantra, day after day, and year after year, as it says “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” There ought to be a burning desire in our hearts, more than anything, to grow in God’s grace always. We should never become stagnant in our relationship with the Lord, but take heed to Ephesians 4:14-15 and desire to be no longer children, but to grow up in Christ.
I encourage you to reflect on your life over the past few years. How have you grown? How have you matured? Have you gained more wisdom?
If you can clearly see the progress you've made, both spiritually and naturally, then thank God for your progress and continue to grow in Him. If you find that you've been a bit stuck, seek God for wisdom. Ask Him to help you shift the paradigm of your thinking, and awaken your desire to sprout up in Him. And as you draw nigh to Him, His spirit will draw nigh to you. More than any resolution you may make, resolve to seek God’s presence, love Him with your whole heart, submit yourself to Him, and meditate on His word day and night.
As lovers and followers of Christ, we should all want to ever evolve in Him. We can’t stay babes forever.
LaKeisha Rainey-Collins is a wife, mother of two beautiful boys and inspirational blogger. She believes that God has purposed her to use her gift of writing to share her experiences as a Christian woman, wife, and mother, in order to touch the hearts of other women just like her.
Email LaKeisha:
kcollins@eewmagazine.com
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7 Comments
Reader Comments (7)
Love it, LaKeisha! Such simple truth, yet so powerful. We can run everywhere else looking for help when it all begins and ends with God. The sooner we wake up to that reality, the better off we'll be.
This article is one of the very reasons why I journal and write down all m thoughts. Looking back over things helps me better assess how far I have come and all the great things God has done in my life. I have a ways to go and a lot of growing left to do but seeing where the Lord has brought me from is so encouraging. Keep blessing us and inspiring us to grow, develop and changing in this New Year. You have given me and so many others such bright hope for the future. Praise God for you sister.
I have not grown as much as I should. 2011 brought alot of tests and I failed many of them. I was feeling sorry for myself and bitter but I determined to be better not bitter in 2012. I hope to have the testimony you have come 2013 if the Lord lets me live. Thank you for this. It is time for me to grow up. Amen.
Hi ladies! Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Happy & Blessed New Year to you!!
This is a good post. So many people make resolutions but skip the most obvious/fail to include God in their plans. By focusing on him you are right that we are sure to mature in a way that's pleasing to him.
What an awesome testimony! I've read it twice...and I will keep it in my heart and in my spirit and strive to move forward spiritually-it's my heart's desire! :) Thank You...I needed this!
Mell, Amen!! Thank you for reading.
Tomeka, my prayers are with you as you strive to move forward spiritually.
Love & Prayers!