She Yearns: Habits of a Godly WomanParaugs

Have you ever wondered what sets apart one passionate Christian who impacts many for the Gospel from another who is neither passionate nor influential? What about the Christian willing to leave what they know, give what they possess, or embrace the uncomfortable, compared to the hesitant and unwilling soul?

We might attribute these differences to personality, ability, fortitude, or life experiences. Likely, these factors play a role, but Scripture shows us the greater reality reflects God working within us. Jesus explains, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how” (Mark 4:26-27). Spiritual growth is a divine work of God in each life.

Before we prop up our feet, anticipating God to do all the work, Jesus issues a subtle expectation. The diligent farmer utilizes the resources he has been given to work. He’s not idle while waiting on God to do it all. Paul understands this reality as he reminds us that God is working in us, giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases him (Philippians 2:13). Certainly, divine intervention is at the center of spiritual growth. Still, a core dynamic for whether or not we grow lies in our personal habits.

Sometimes, we can compare our attempts to grow spiritually to a treadmill that we bought intending to transform ourselves. Sooner or later, it becomes a place to hang laundry after a few failed attempts. Before we know it, that machine blends into the background, a good intention that never became a daily reality.

The good news is that much of spiritual growth depends on God’s work in our lives. The Bible assures us He is working in us, even when we don’t feel or see it. God is leading and equipping us to become more like Christ every day; but our spiritual growth depends also upon our pursuit of that which promotes this growth.

Over the next few days, let’s inspect biblical conventions that lead to godliness. Today, pray for God to work in your life, awakening the desires and determination needed to dust off that spiritual treadmill. Establishing the daily habits required to become a godlier woman awaits.