Slow Growth is Still Growth
I went to church this morning, and I was excited to hear Pastor Matt Mason continue his Brand New sermon series. It’s been one of my favorites thus far since I started going to Brook Hills. The whole series is how the Holy Spirit regenerates us into new creations when we believe and trust in the perfect work and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It’s a miracle to experience being reborn (not physically) but spiritually into the Kingdom of God and it’s even more mysterious how the Spirit transforms us to be more like our Savior… sometimes instantly and sometimes over time.
I’ve felt this transformation in my life firsthand. From my conversion two years ago to this day, there have been immense changes. Some changes happened instantly, but most have been continual changes and a slow progression. I’ve found Matt’s series to be encouraging in this season, especially when I am disappointed by how much I struggle with sin and the times when I find the world to be far more glamorous than reading my Bible or praying.
He quoted theologian, J.I.Packer, a few weeks ago and his words encouraged me. Packer said, “Regeneration is God renovating the heart, the core of a person’s being. Regeneration is entirely the work of God the Holy Spirit. It is a transition from spiritual death to spiritual life, and conscious intentional, active faith in Christ is its immediate fruit.”
To know that my salvation and my growing in faith is all an act of God is a comforting reality. Even my obedience and decision to follow righteousness is a fruit and evidence that God is working in my life. Even if it a small step of obedience, it’s still a step! I’m thankful that God never gives up on me and will help me to the end.
After church, I travelled home to Laurel for my in-office week at Laurel Mercantile Co. I dread the the three hour trek, but I always look forward to catching up on my podcasts. True crime and Dungeons and Dragons was on the agenda, thanks to some new recommendations. I didn’t half hate the “Dungeons and Daddies” podcast after all.
When I got home, my parents welcomed Charlie and I with open arms and a ready-made dinner of pork tenderloin and sheet-pan roasted potatoes. I finished up some of my French lesson and finished the longest chapter in my Julia Child novel. Overall, it was a lesson-filled day that made me think and dream and contemplate. Those are my favorite kinds of day.