Growing In His Grace

You can't have a relationship with Jesus Christ and not be constantly changing, constantly growing. Sometimes it's the little things, things one would hardly notice if they aren't looking closely. But believe me, it adds to the bigger picture.
Other times it's a massive change that makes the people who know you and even those who don't do a double take.
The best part is that when you are truly for the Lord- it is always good change.

I spent some time a while back fearing change. I wanted things to stay just the way they were. I was blind to the fact that I wasn't going to build my relationship with my God or grow spiritually if I just stood still.
I thought I was safe if my situation didn't change, if I stuck with what I knew.

I didn't stop to think that maybe a change of situation would be an incredible, beautiful journey and adventure with Jesus by my side the entire time.
Let me just say, He is the most wonderful travel companion. There's no one else I'd rather be with on this long, bumpy road trip. He is full of unbelievable, unfathomable love and wisdom.

How glad I am to be His child, to have Him correct me and discipline me and ultimately, love me in all abundance. He shows me the way, He speaks to my heart. I don't hear Him so clearly everyday. Some days it feels like He's silent, and I get frustrated. Because I'm human, I want my answers, and I want them now.

But He always knows better, and even in the silence, I know He's there. He is always there.

And when He does speak to me, it's amazing. He strengthens me, He comforts me. He reveals things to me and teaches me. He forgives me, He gives me wisdom. He grows me, His words and love pouring over me like clean, sweet water, refreshing a dry and thirsty soul. He quenches the thirst in me the way only He can.

The reason why I'm so excited to tell you all of this today is because the more I grow in Him, the more thrilled I am when I realize he's made a change in me. No more freaking out when I'm forced out of my comfort zone for His sake. No more stressing when I think that the job is too big. No more being afraid of change. Instead, I'm happy. No- I'm rejoicing! How can it be that He chooses someone like me to do anything for Him? To have the satisfaction of serving the God who died for me and continues to bless me undeservedly, every single day of my life?

Change is always good when it comes to Jesus changing you. 

Change in yourself, change of circumstances, change of relationships with others when you openly glorify His name.
As you walk and talk with God in your daily life, your roots in Him will only grow deeper and stronger. And growing means changing. Maybe you're sick of hearing that word by now, but if you're like me, you need to hear this constantly. Because I can so easily get in a place where I'm comfortable with things staying the way they are...and I don't believe that is how a Christian life is supposed to be.

As if it's not phenomenal enough that He is shaping and forming us in His image, He also promises to be our strength through it all. He tells us that He will never give us more than we can bear. He says His plans are good. He promises that the reward will be worth it.

He makes you strong. 
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. / Isaiah 40:29

He doesn't give you more than you can take.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. / 1 Corinthians 10:13

He has good plans for you.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope. / Jeremiah 29:11

He has a reward in store for you.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. / Colossians 3:23-24

And He never lies.
God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? / Numbers 23:19

So trust in Him, as you grow in Him. Embrace the changes that come to happen. Look forward to them, get excited about them. One day, when you look back, your heart will swell with gratitude and you will be in awe at all that He has done in you and for you.

And know that He has nothing up His sleeve but more love for you.

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. / Isaiah 58:11

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. / Philippians 1:6