Growing in His Presence
And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him (Lk. 2:40 NKJ).
The scripture above gives us a description of the spiritual and physical growth of Jesus. He grew in stature and became strong in spirit. And He adds this insightful clause that “the grace of God was upon Him.” This essentially means growing under an open heaven, or in God’s presence. The prophet Isaiah described this as, “He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant” (Isa. 53:2.)
God wants you to grow and develop to maturity in His presence. When we fail to grow, we will be unable to exercise the faculties of our spirit man, just as newborns are unable to use their hands though they actually have them.
Have you ever wanted to believe a passage, but realize you just cannot? Or have you ever tried to “rejoice always” and realize that you just cannot seem to muster the strength to do so? These are examples of what a weak spirit (heart) is. It is unable to do or be what God has said it should do or be.
I find many believers struggling with their faith. Some try to “talk themselves into believing.” You do not need any spiritual drama or gymnastics to manipulate your heart into believing. Just obey and do what God asks you to do.
And this is the commandment: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (1 Pet. 2:2 KJV.) You do not need to force your heart to believe. Put God’s Word in there and faith will erupt. Grow in God’s presence by eating manna daily.
MEDITATE
How does God strengthen our spirit (heart) as we grow? See Ps. 104:15, Dan. 10:19, and Eph. 3:16.
APPLY THE WORD
Do you want to grow in your spiritual life? Do you know what to do? Just do it!
PRAY
Pray the prayer of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:15-16 in your life right now.
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