Next Steps (While you wait)-Pursue Spiritual Growth
Pursue Spiritual Growth
The first step you should take while waiting on God is to pursue spiritual growth. A growing relationship with Christ is not optional, it is essential! Cultivating a deep intimate relationship with Jesus should not only be the desire of every Christ follower, but also for those who He’s called to vocational ministry.
I love what the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:10-
“that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10)
The Amplified Bible begins verse 10 with “For my determined purpose is to know Him.” More than anything else Paul desires to know Christ! To have a deep intimate growing relationship with Jesus Christ. How about you? Is that your desire? To know Christ more than anyone or anything else. While you wait on God for the next steps, cultivate your relationship with God so that you can discern His will and purpose for your life.
Notice Psalm 25:3-5
“Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me,for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long” (Psalm 25:3-5).
According to the Psalmist, those who wait on the Lord “will not be put to shame.” He goes on to say, “for You I wait all the day long.” This is a beautiful picture of His utter dependence upon God! He is resting in the grace of God and relying on the promises of God. Listen, while you wait on God rest in Him being confident that as you grow spiritually, He will reveal the next steps to you.
Primary Ways God Grows Us
In his book “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life,” Donald Whitney shares that there are three catalysts that God uses to grow us: people, circumstances, and the spiritual disciplines. He goes on to say, “We don’t have any control on the people God brings into our lives or our circumstances, but we can be intentional about spending time with God through the spiritual disciplines.” In fact Paul tells us to
“discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7b NASB).
Do not see the spiritual disciplines as an end in themselves, but see them as a means to an end- to connect with God! And as you spend time with God you’ll learn more about His character, His purpose, and His ways. Notice 2 Corinthians 3:18
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18).
According to Paul, as you behold the Lord Jesus, you will be transformed into His image. And you will “behold Him” by spending unhindered, uninterrupted time with Him in His word and prayer (along with the other spiritual disciplines).
Position Yourself to Receive from God
The late Jerry Bridges has said, “Sanctification is a work that God does, but it requires our effort.” And I believe that “our effort” is to position ourselves to receive from God. You do that primarily by “abiding in Christ.” Look at John 15:4-5
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). .
You must be intentional about abiding, continuing, and remaining in Christ. This is the key to spiritual health, growth, and fruitfulness. As you (a branch) abide in Jesus (the True Vine), He will supply all the resources you need for spiritual life and godliness.
The key to an abundant life is to be vitally connected to Jesus.
So, as you wait, pursue spiritual growth!
