Spiritual Growth: Small Steps Toward a Stronger Faith
Spiritual growth is not an instantaneous event; rather, it is a gradual process that unfolds over time. It is a beautiful, sometimes chaotic, and profoundly personal journey toward forming a deeper connection with God and uncovering the unique individual He has designed you to be. Many people experience feelings of stagnation in their spiritual journey, believing they are not progressing or doing enough to nurture their faith. If this resonates with you, rest assured you are not alone in these feelings.
The essence of spiritual growth lies not in monumental deeds or flawless devotion but in the small, deliberate steps taken each day. These steps can happen even on the rough days when you feel disconnected or overwhelmed. It’s about embracing those moments and understanding that every step can lead to growth, no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time.
In this post, I want to take you through my personal experiences of spiritual growth—sharing the challenges I’ve faced, the insights I’ve gained, and the various ways I’ve sought to deepen my relationship with God. I hope to inspire you to embrace your own unique journey, recognizing that it is filled with its own set of experiences, lessons, and revelations that contribute to your growth in faith. Let’s explore together how every small step can bring you closer to the divine and help you discover more about who you are meant to be.
The Slow and Steady Journey of Growth
I used to believe that spiritual growth was synonymous with having everything perfectly in order—consistent Bible reading, perpetual prayer, and an unwavering commitment to attending every church event on the calendar. It felt like a checklist of achievements that I needed to complete to prove my faith. But as we all know, life seldom unfolds in neat and predictable ways, does it? Amid the chaos of balancing work responsibilities, caring for my children, and navigating the unpredictability of daily life, I found myself slipping away from meaningful, intentional time with God. Weeks could glide by without me having a moment of quiet reflection or a heartfelt prayer.
One particular evening, after a long and exhausting day where everything seemed overwhelming, I finally managed to carve out a few moments to sit down with my Bible. The weight of my fatigue and frustration seemed almost palpable, clouding my thoughts. As I opened the pages, a wave of doubt washed over me. Where do I even begin? Am I approaching this the right way? The burden of feeling like I should have all the answers loomed large over my heart.
Just then, my eyes landed on Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” The words resonated deeply within me. It was as if God was speaking directly to my weary soul, offering a gentle reminder. In that moment, I realized I didn’t have to show up to God with everything perfectly in place, nor did I need to demonstrate flawless devotion. What mattered most was simply my willingness to come as I was—imperfect, tired, and in need of grace. That revelation brought me a sense of relief, illuminating the path toward a more genuine and compassionate relationship with my Creator.
What Spiritual Growth Really Looks Like
Spiritual growth is not a journey toward perfection; rather, it is a profound exploration of connection—both with God and ourselves. It involves leaning into the boundless grace of God, understanding that He embraces us with open arms, no matter our current state. This journey of growth unfolds not in grand gestures or monumental achievements, but in the small, intimate moments that often go unnoticed.
It occurs during those quiet pauses in our day when we take a moment to pray, allowing our hearts to connect with God in conversation. These moments of prayer can be transformative, as we lay our burdens before Him and seek His guidance. Reflecting on scripture offers another layer of richness to our spiritual journey, as we ponder the wisdom and teachings that have stood the test of time, helping us find relevance in our personal lives today.
Furthermore, expressing gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us—whether it be the warmth of the sun, the laughter of loved ones, or the tranquility of nature—opens our hearts to recognize God’s presence in the mundane. It is through these seemingly small acts of acknowledgment and reflection that we cultivate a deeper relationship with the divine, allowing ourselves to grow and flourish in faith. Ultimately, spiritual growth is about being present in these moments and trusting that God is guiding us every step of the way.
It’s okay if your spiritual growth looks like this:
- A prayer whispered while folding laundry.
- Reading one verse and meditating on it throughout the day.
- Singing a worship song in the car.
God doesn’t measure our faith by how much we do; He cares about our hearts.
Practical Ways to Nurture Your Spiritual Growth
1. Start Small and Stay Consistent
It’s tempting to dive headfirst into a rigorous routine, but spiritual growth is more sustainable when you start small. Dedicate just five minutes a day to prayer or scripture. Over time, those minutes will naturally grow.
2. Journal Your Journey
Writing down your thoughts, prayers, and reflections helps you process your faith journey and see how God is working in your life. When I flip through old journals, I’m amazed at the prayers God has answered and the lessons He’s taught me.
3. Surround Yourself With Faithful Community
Growth is rarely a solo endeavor. Find a Bible study group, join a church community, or simply connect with friends who encourage you in your faith.
4. Be Open to New Spiritual Practices
Sometimes, growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. If you’ve never tried fasting, meditative prayer, or scripture memorization, consider exploring those practices.
Embracing the Messy Days
There are days when you feel spiritually invigorated, as if you are truly on fire with faith and connection to something greater. On those days, your prayers flow easily, and it feels as though God is guiding every moment of your life. However, as we all know, there are also days when you may find it incredibly difficult to connect with God at all. In those moments, it can feel as if barriers have risen between you and His presence. It’s important to understand that this ebb and flow in our spiritual journeys is completely normal.
God’s love is constant and unwavering; it isn’t contingent upon our ability to perform perfectly or maintain a specific level of spiritual enthusiasm. He doesn’t withdraw His presence from us when we face struggles or fall short in our faith. Instead, His love remains steadfast, always waiting for us to reach out, regardless of our circumstances.
I remember one particularly chaotic day in my own life when everything seemed to spiral out of control. Challenges arose one after another, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and spiritually drained. In that moment of chaos, I turned to prayer, even though I felt at a loss for words. I simply uttered a heartfelt and desperate plea: “God, I don’t have the words, but I need You.” It wasn’t an elaborate prayer; it wasn’t filled with the usual expressions of gratitude or praise. It was raw and honest, reflecting my need for His presence amidst my turmoil.
To my surprise, in that moment of vulnerability, I felt His peace envelop me. It was as if His love wrapped around me like a warm blanket, comforting and reassuring me that I was not alone in my struggles. I realized that God truly delights in our authenticity—He is not looking for perfection or elaborate prayers. Instead, He cherishes genuine connection, the kind that comes from a heart laid bare before Him.
Embracing this truth allows us to approach God as we are, with all our imperfections, and recognize that His grace meets us right where we are.
Inspiring Reads From Other Blogs
If you’re looking for more encouragement, check out these wonderful resources:
- Desiring God: Their post “How to Grow in Grace” offers practical insights for nurturing your faith.
- Faith Gateway: Read “Why Spiritual Growth Takes Time” for encouragement in embracing your unique journey.
- Proverbs 31 Ministries: Their devotional “When You Feel Spiritually Stuck” is a comforting reminder of God’s constant presence.
Final Thoughts: Growing in Grace
Spiritual growth isn’t a race or a checklist—it’s a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. It’s about small steps, authentic prayers, and trusting that God is working in you, even when you don’t feel it.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to start, take heart. Open your Bible, say a prayer, or simply sit in God’s presence. Each moment with Him is a step toward growth.
How are you nurturing your spiritual growth? Share your tips or stories in the comments—I’d love to hear how God is working in your life.
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