Faith Unfolding

Instantaneous spiritual maturity is a nice idea, but it’s not very realistic. And we shouldn’t beat ourselves up for being slow to understand how to properly live as a Christian, or for feeling intimidated by others who seem further along in their walk.

Jesus’ patience with His disciples offers some perspective. He called them to follow Him one day at a time (Luke 9:23). He also promised that at the right time the Spirit would lead them into truth that was too difficult to grasp at the present moment (John 16:12–16).

God gives us what we need when we need it, not very often ahead of time. He holds back some lessons until we become able to understand and apply them. Like the first disciples, we cannot see the end from the beginning. Faith never arrives fully grown. It begins as a little seed to be planted and nurtured (Mark 4:26–32).

Taken from The Modern Life Study Bible