Growing in the Lord is so important. One can so easily get caught up in the busy-ness of life and get stuck in a rut, uninspired and tired. (that rhyme really makes the point, right? ha ha!)
But what if we were to switch gears entirely? To improve our mindset where we are so that we can make the most of our current season? Growing in the Lord requires a grateful heart. Grateful for how far He has brought us and for how He is directing us. And when we take time to grow in our personal lives and attitudes, it has the added bonus for touching every area of our lives!
Personal Growth
Personal growth is important for each of us so that we can make sure we are being our best for God. When I was growing up, we always went through books and classes together on self improvement courses. Subjects about controlling your thoughts, developing spiritual gifts, creating successful habits, etc.
Personal growth helps you shape your mindset and is essential for growing in the Lord. It is about choosing gratitude to God and discovering your talents so that you can serve Him in the most effective way possible. It’s about playing an active role in your life, rather than being a passive observer.
Growing in the Lord, developing your God given talents, discovering skills and interests, and encouraging others around you to do the same is what it’s all about! A life spent half-heartedly and in disappointment is no way to live. Aim for excellence, momentum, enthusiasm, and endurance.
All For Your Benefit
I’ve spent a lot of time and effort on business. I’ve done countless business trainings, webinars, courses, etc. And I can always find another to do. I’m all about excellence in work, but lately I’m even more about finding a balance and building a life around work. Somehow I blinked and seven years have gone by and I am still working six days a week.
As I gave this thought and considered how work seemed to keep moving but life had stood still, I realized I had given work extra time and effort while I just went through the routine of life. Yes, of course, I have worked on my attitude and gone to church and gone through the weekly duties of life, but when it comes to building the life I dream of, I didn’t know what to do but wait, so I just poured that energy into work. I say this not to feel sorry for myself, but rather as an ah-ha moment!
In a new personal development class I started the other day, the lady was setting the framework for the class and she said that before you began, you had to have the mindset that everything that’s happened in your life is all for your benefit. Everything that has led up to this minute is for your good! There are no poor-me scenarios that make your life any different than mine. We have the opportunity – and even the responsibility as God’s people – to benefit from everything that has happened in our life.
And I love that reminder. It is one of those things I know, but I need the encouragement and the reminder again and again! And maybe you do too.
Make A List
Because of this, I’m here to encourage you that there is plenty you can do to grow the life of which you dream outside of work and routine and what you can see. And I’ll tell you where to start – make a list and write it out!
Write out your dreams – of a godly husband, darling children, acres of land, cozy home, family vacations, weekend drives, improved health, etc – whatever they may be. Before we can pursue our dreams, we have to realize what they are, right? And if they’re buried deep and super hidden and protected and not talked about, how can we pursue them?
As you make your incredible, imaginary, dream life list, pray over it. Ask God to inspire your list. Be bold and exhaustive and specific and hopeful! And then here’s a revolutionary idea: commit to praying about it specifically in detail for five minutes every single day. Set a reminder on your phone and commit to it. As you pray, ask God to fine-tune your requests, to direct your heart in the way He would have you go, ask for signs and wonders to encourage this faithfulness you are developing.
Growing In The Lord
We are allowed to ask for things we don’t have. In fact, I would say God wants us to! You don’t have to fear asking for things outside of God’s plan for your life because you can specifically ask Him to direct the desires of your heart. And then lean in and really pay attention to what He puts in your spirit. Specific prayers receive specific answers. Vague prayers receive vague answers. Unspoken prayers are like the talents that got buried – they don’t receive anything in return. So much of life is reflected by what you put into it, and your relationship with God is no different!
I used to think I didn’t have a lot of control over my relationships with other people because we can’t control other people. But perhaps that’s a lie. Perhaps we have access to far more ability through prayer than we give God credit for because we’ve failed to put in the time, belief, and faith.
If you were to ask me to my face if I thought God was capable of bringing good spouses into my family member’s lives, I would say absolutely. But just because He can doesn’t mean He will. But what if that disconnect isn’t so much Him holding back, but my lack of faith showing up to really pray and believe? I think we can both agree He isn’t ever the one at fault.
Insert any situation He has put on your heart or in your spirit. Perhaps a wayward child, overwhelming debt, physical struggles, etc. Really pray and consider what you hope for and then make a list. Commit to praying earnestly, wholeheartedly, deeply, faithfully, for just five minutes a day and watch what happens. I truly believe God will show up and show out in ways that you acknowledge could only be Him. And on top of your prayers, do the work He places before you, whatever it is. For me, for right now, it’s refocusing on personal goals rather than work goals. He’ll make it clear what He wants you to do. All you have to do is ask.
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Share this with a family member or friend who needs a little extra encouragement!