How does a Christian grow in their faith?
We like to start by building ourselves up in the Lord when we work our praying and ministering muscles.
Another strategy is to stretch ourselves by extending our hands out to others with the love of God. We often lift our Bibles higher and higher, making them heavier and heavier as we scribble in the margins and stuff them with notes.
But the first step in the growth of Spiritual muscle takes place when the inner stuff breaks down.
The first position of the believer being strengthened is bent low on humbled knees.
Growth in the Lord doesn’t begin by doing more or carrying weightier virtues and ministries.
Rather, spiritual growth originates in becoming less.
Becoming strong in the Lord requires the laying down of our bulky burdens at the cross to be free to train as our trainer leads.
“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” never calls us to be more or greater. In fact, “be strong” can be misleading. The words translate more directly to “be strengthened” or “be empowered.” The rest of verse makes this clear.
We have to be strengthened by the the source of our strength.
To be strengthened by the Lord, kneel before Him. Heave off the weights you aren’t meant to carry. Let your Spiritual muscles be broken down by the Lord, examined, and made stronger as true muscle, earned by submission to the trainer.
Sweet relief for the weak (all of us!):
We are strong in the Lord when we grow in His mighty power, not when we’re mustering up our own.
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Such a great reminder, Bethany. I get stuck in trying to be strong before I go to Him. Not the best plan…Thank you for sharing this word.
Me too! His plans are much more effective : ) Thanks!!
I’m so glad we don’t have to depend on our own strength, though it’s easy to slip into trying. Your last sentence puts it perfectly: “We are strong in the Lord when we grow in His mighty power, not when we’re mustering up our own.”
So grateful for the truth, too, Lesley! Our own strength is so limited- we run out and suffer from the strain. But the Lord is the infinite source of the purest form!
Bethany, great words here. You’re so right: spiritual growth originates in becoming less. It seems easier to affirm ourselves that we’re doing “it” right by serving, praying, ministering in some way. But the best way to grow in the Lord is to acknowledge we really have nothing on our own to offer Him, and to get to know Him better on our knees.
Great post. Thank you so much!
You summarize it so well, Jeanne! Amen! Thank you!
Amen! It’s a process of letting go which is so counter-culture! Our world is about doing and fixing, yet God is the opposite-let go and receive, and be.
I love this, Bethany! And so aptly illustrated with your pictures! 🙂
Thank you! The first one was free online, actually. But I loved the idea so I made up the second one because it seemed so clear : )
Beautiful words and ADORABLE pictures! You are spot on.
Oh how I needed to hear this today, friend! I try so hard to do what I’m supposed to do, I forget that the only thing He ever wants is me. Fully. Thanks for reminding me. (And those pictures are fantastic!)
Yes, Becky! I’m with you. Do you know the song “All You Ever Wanted” By Casting Crowns? Summarizes it well!
Love how you illustrat3ed this piece with rocks :0)
Thanks Aileen! The first one I found online, actually. But the second I did up myself! Thanks!
I hear you friend!
Knees in submission, in surrender, for us to receive His strength and His help.
By the way the photo is adorable😘
God bless you