Maturing as a Christian

Maturing as a Christian

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Focus Verse:  Psalm 119:71 "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes."

As soon as a baby is born it begins a path to maturity but that path is not always easy.  A baby must learn to eat as soon as it's born.  A baby must learn to walk but it will fall many times as it learns.  A child can't understand why the parent says "no".   As it gets older there is learning to read, work math and protecting a garden from the monkeys.  There is much to learn about life on the path to maturity.

In the same way, a Christian must mature.  As Christians our goal is to mature in Christ and that path is not always easy either.  We can face many trials emotionally, spiritually and physically.  This week it was reported in the LA Times that there were over 500 tornadoes in the central United States. There are many people around the world going through a very difficult time for a variety of reasons.  It is hard to understand why we must have struggles, but God is working out His plan.  He knows the circumstances in every single life, and He knows what is best.  Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."    Therefore, for those people who are Christians, maybe God wants them to mature in their faith through their struggles or have their neighbor come to Christ by watching their faith.  For others who do not know Christ, God may use this storm to bring them to salvation.

No matter what we are going through, we can be at peace knowing that God sees every detail of what is happening in our lives.  He is with us, loving us.  He will not allow anything that He can not work out for the ultimate good.  So the next time you are in a difficult situation look for ways that God may want you to mature in your faith.  God always has a purpose for everything.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries