This year has been filled with pause and change. It would be easy to allow disappointment, sadness, and complacency to set in. Just because it’s been different and difficult at times doesn’t mean we should become sluggish in our faith. I asked myself these questions a few months back; have I grown, have I stayed the same, or have I become stagnant in my faith.
This is the season to THRIVE.
Thrive means to grow vigorously. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, your desire should be to deepen your relationship with Him. Think about friendship, it grows because you invest time in the relationship. The same is true about your relationship with God, it will grow as you spend time with Him.
GROWTH PLAN
- Connect with God. Just as the disciples were devoted to learning from Jesus, so should we. Find a set time that works with your schedule to read your Bible. Start in the gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Before you start reading, ask God to reveal the meaning of the scripture to you. Spend some time in prayer. As you begin to pray, first take time to honor Him with praise before submitting your request to Him; then spend a few minutes lingering in His presence. 1 Timothy 4:16 (AMP) – “Pay close attention to yourself [concentrate on your personal development] and to your teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”
- Connect with Others. Be intentional in developing your relationships with others. It’s important to have an inner circle of friends whom you trust and who will encourage your faith. Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) – “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
- Connect with Mentors. Find a pastor, campus minister, an elder, or spiritual mom or dad whom you can learn from and experience God’s love and direction. This tends to happen best in a relationship with someone who is more spiritually mature and older than you. Proverbs 4:6 NLT – “Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.”
- Connect Others to Jesus. You have been called to GO and spread the gospel in your inner circle, to those in your sphere of influence and to those you do not know. What a wonderful opportunity He has entrusted to us. You do not have to have a theology degree or be a pastor to tell someone about Jesus. It’s really simple – it starts with a conversation, tell them what He has done for you. Mark 16:15 (NASB) – “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Growth occurs when you connect with Him.
If you would like to learn more about sharing the gospel with others, we invite you to take our free Thrive Course.
Ephesians 3:16-17 – “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
