The call to grow

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.~2 Peter 3:18

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines grace a unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance.  And knowledge is defined as the act of the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association.  I love both of these definitions because one can see the direct relationship between grace and knowledge. In order to grow in the grace of God, one must take the time to know Him and experience Him for themselves.

God has commanded us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To grow is to continue to evolve as we develop our relationship with Him.  We are growing in Him.  The root of who we are goes deeper and deeper into the soil that is Jesus Christ so that we are able to stand firm when the harsh winds of life blow.  We are nurtured by His word and His love as we fellowship with Him.  

We are called to grow.  We can’t allow ourselves to become complacent or stagnant.  We must continue to press forward in Him; understanding His character and yielding to His Spirit so that we can rest in the assurances of God.  Especially when the days of calamity come because our growth in His grace and the knowledge of who Jesus is in our lives will allow us to praise Him in all seasons.  We can be like the prophet Habakkuk who declared “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior.” 3:17-18

So as I think about how one can be joyful in the midst of affliction and when all seems lost I think about God.  I am think about how He has brought me through time and time again.  I think about His goodness and His mercy.  I think of the call He is making to me today.  The call to continue to grow in Him.  To be diligent in my time with Him and His Word.  To be aware of His grace that surrounds me; to learn of Him.  The call to walk humbly with Him daily, loving my brothers and my sisters.  Caring for them.  Meeting them right where they are just as Christ meets me.  I am reminded to press on in Him daily acknowledging His goodness and sovereignty.  

God has blessed me with much.  The blessing is not the material possessions or achievements.  The blessing is knowing Him and growing in Him.  Father, may I be obedient to your word and continue to grow in your love, grace, and truth.  May I cover myself in You and praise You in all circumstances because You are Lord.  I thank You for this day and time with You. Keep my thoughts on You so that my actions may bring You glory.  In Jesus name. Amen