growing slow

In their book, Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg make the excellent point that while Jesus did miracles, he did not make his disciples instantly holy. Instead he let them walk through the long and painful process (painful to him at times, as well) of spiritual growth in Christian formation- or becoming like him. Peter did not become a "saint" overnight.

They make the point that God may have chosen to work this way to help us grow in our sense of dependence and desire to be close to him.

This is quite encouraging. I have looked over my life many times over the years, and have been more than discouraged, practically in despair. But God in his grace in Jesus by the Spirit ("Amazing Grace") has kept me going and growing, now over thirty-five years in Jesus.

It should help us in looking at each other. We can lose patience with someone, but that fails to take into account God's longsuffering and patience, and faithfulness which is quite evident, when we think about it, in our own lives.

Wonderful. Mighty oaks, a planting of the Lord!

What would you like to add to this?