Seeking Instant Maturity
By Susan Aken
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15
Beautiful things take time to grow but they’re worth waiting for.
Longing for blossoms, I watched my butterfly garden. I rushed out each morning, excited to see color but nothing changed.
Gardening brings a lesson in patience. We put plants where they’ll get sun, food, and water. It takes weeks, months, or years to fully benefit from our labor. We trust our provisions will bring the seeds to full growth.
Spiritual growth is the same. When I read a book or hear a sermon, I want the maturity offered now. I wonder why I struggle to apply lessons learned. But like with my butterfly garden, growth comes with time and the right conditions.
Perseverance produces a crop. To grow, I prepare the “soil” of my heart with prayer. I let the Holy Spirit break up the hard clods of sin. I plant the seeds of truth by reading and meditating on Scripture. I drink from God’s living water by yielding to the Holy Spirit. I spend time in His presence, and His light shines on me like the sun bringing the seeds to life. As I listen and obey, seeds of faith grow and produce fruit.
God taught me change comes as I make daily choices. And the great news is, even when I don’t, His grace covers every fail.
If we persevere and keep studying, praying, and applying His word, the Bible, as we seek to know Him better, maturity will come. Just as one day I’ll walk out and see a garden of beautiful flowers, one day at a time I see His fruit growing in my life.
Are you frustrated with your spiritual growth?
Persevere.
Susan Aken is a homemaker, teacher, writer, and frequent contributor to Wholly Loved Ministries’ projects. She lives in Nebraska but was born and raised in Oklahoma. She and her husband have one son. Her greatest love is for the Lord Jesus Christ who has redeemed her and set her free. Susan enjoys reading, photography, spending time with family and friends, and writing. She has a heart for prayer ministry and loves her church. Visit her online at susanaken53.wordpress.com.
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Originally published Tuesday, 22 August 2023.
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