We all move at our own pace. If we are hurried, we often are more likely to make mistakes. If we are slowed down, we are often impatient and snippy. I've often remarked... 'Don't rush me!' or 'Good grief, Go already.' Today, I felt like I was in the fast lane of life and it was not a comfortable feeling.
'Sometimes your heart needs more time to accept what your mind already knows.' I think this phrase points to the danger in having people say a quick 'prayer' and telling them they are saved. There are countless people with biblical head knowledge but their heart has turned deaf to it. Salvation isn't a one-stop shop, but the beginning of sanctification... the transforming of ourselves into Christ's likeness. God works in mysterious ways sometimes just to get us to see His light in the darkness.
Sometimes our impatience can influence our witnessing. We give up on people because their spiritual growth doesn't follow our timeline. God's timing is the only clock that counts and we don't know what it says. We give up because we see how far there is to go, instead of how far they've come. Our witnessing should always have an eternal goal and perspective, rather than a short term gain in focus.
'Progress has little to do with speed, but much to do with direction.'
'Our goal should be progress, not perfection.'
'The way of progress is neither swift nor easy.'
May we lead others in the right direction and have them follow in a progressive pace.
It's never too late! Keep praying, keep trusting. The seed you plant today may not come to fruition even in your lifetime, but someday it will. I am a praying mother for an unsaved son. I will never quit praying....and trusting....that God's timing is perfect and progress is happening, even though I may not be able to see it right now. Thank you for the encouraging words, Angie...love you, T.
ReplyDeleteThat is all we are called to do...lead them. Our job is to sow the seeds, it is He who gives the increase. I never tell my children, "OK you are saved now." I want to be careful that when they do give their hearts to Christ that it is a real thing and not an emotional decision. Time will tell if they produce the fruit of a saved soul.
ReplyDeleteGood word!
ReplyDelete"One sows, another waters, another sees the increase." I often have to tell myself that; I want to see results yesterday! Thank God we are not responsible for one's spiritual progress--just responsible to do our part. Gloria
ReplyDeleteI really liked this; and I think you are 100% correct . A mature Christian doesn’t develop overnight—they may have the mustard seed of faith and be a babe in Christ for a long time, especially if they know nothing of the Bible. The Lord says to become as little children in faith—I think this partly means we don’t question everything (some things we won’t understand and know until eternity) but accept the basics and learn from your living a life with the Lord included and not just a simple knowledge of the Lord without giving Him room in your life to work and grow.
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Thankful for the Lord's patience with my progress! I love how in Scripture the Lord gives us examples of his molding of his servants over time. It gives me hope!
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