Room to Grow

Healthy plants don’t grow by accident. Neither do healthy Christians. Discover how God grows those who remain rooted in Him.

When you were young, were you in a hurry to grow up? Did you grow faster because you tried harder? Of course not.

As you watch mature Christians and see their faith, wisdom, and giftedness, have you ever wished you could hurry up become a “grown up” Christian?

I certainly have—and still wonder when that great spiritual breakthrough is going to happen! 

We want stronger faith, greater wisdom, certain direction, and a life that increasingly reflects Jesus Christ. Yet spiritual growth can seem painfully slow. We wonder, “Why am I not farther along?”

I’ve written previously of the ministry of My360Project.org. One of the unique features of My360’s expandable shoes is that they’re designed with room to grow. They meet a child’s need today while allowing for tomorrow’s growth.

God works much the same way: He meets us where we are, but He never intends for us to stay there.

The apostle Peter understood this when he wrote:

“Be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of … wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:17–18, NLT)

Notice Peter doesn’t say, “Sit back and let God do all the work.” Nor does he say, “Try harder.”

He says, “Be on guard”… and “Grow.”

Those are active words.

Jesus illustrated the same truth in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-23). Seed scattered on good soil produced an abundant harvest—not because the seed was different, but because it found a heart prepared to receive it. Other seed was choked by weeds, scorched by shallow roots, or stolen before it could take hold.

A gardener can’t make a plant grow.

But a gardener can cultivate the soil, remove weeds, water faithfully, and protect the young plant from whatever would destroy it.

Spiritual growth works much the same way.

You can’t produce Christ-like character by your own effort. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. God is less interested in how quickly we become useful than in how faithfully we become like Christ. 

He calls us to cultivate the soil of our hearts. Spend time in His Word. Pray. Worship and grow alongside other believers. Guard your heart against the distractions, worries, and temptations that choke God’s truth before it bears fruit. As we remain rooted in God’s Word and walk in His grace, He patiently grows us into the people He created us to become.

God develops us before He deploys us.

God gives the growth—we cultivate the garden.

That’s why I appreciate My360’s expandable shoes. They quietly remind me that healthy things are expected to grow.

The One who gives the growth is also the Master Craftsman who is shaping your life—and He isn’t finished with you yet.

Today, don’t become discouraged if your growth seems slow. Guard your footing. Stay rooted in God’s Word. Trust the Holy Spirit to produce fruit in His time.