Walking With Jesus (Overcoming Stagnation)నమూనా

In a year 

“And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and all the expectation of the Jewish people.” 

Acts 12:11

We usually remember or record the state of a place that we have ever visited in our minds. The condition of the place seems to be imprinted in our minds that we can retell the place. However, our memory of that place may change when we return to that place a year later and see many changes that have taken place since our last visit. Maybe the paint color of that house has been changed. The yard of the house is getting narrower due to the addition of furniture. The trees are getting shady and taller. Many things have changed in one year.

Change and growth are natural processes that happen over time. It was the time of Easter celebrations. Peter was bound by an iron chain and guarded between two guards. There was no special food during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. A year ago, Peter celebrated the Last Supper with Jesus. He must still remember how Jesus washed his feet and his promise to Jesus that he would rather die than denying Him. Feeling ashamed, Peter must have also remembered how he had denied Jesus three times.

Peter had a meal with the Lord after His resurrection on the shores of the Sea of Galilee when Jesus said, “Follow me!” The test for Peter occurred not long after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. He was arrested and imprisoned. Maybe his life would end like his God. However, things happened differently. Peter was in peace, knowing that he was obedient and that his life was in God's hands. He slept well even though he was in prison. In one year, Peter experienced tremendous growth of faith. He grew from an emotional disciple to be a steadfast person.

God also wants us to grow. Many people have been following God for a long time, but they are still spiritually static. A person with a healthy spirit will grow dynamically to become what God wants him to be. 

Reflection:

1. How long have you been following God? Do you experience any growth?  Is that growth still happening?

2. What has God changed in the process of your spiritual growth?

Application: 

Keep growing because spiritual growth does not know the word "old". It only knows the word "mature" which means that we still have the potential to grow.