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I spent some time last night getting a few flowering plants potted for our patio. This year I bought one type that I have admired for many years – a sunflower. I first began to admire them when we bought our first home. A neighbor, 2 houses behind us & separated by fences, used to grow them. I remember how it would always amaze me to see those sunflowers come peeking over the top of the 6 foot wooden fence. I always found it to be the most pleasant sight. So I decided to try one myself this year.  I cannot wait for my small plant to grow.

Sure it already has a flower but now I want to see it grow tall & stately. And that is when I thought…

Just the way I desire for my sunflower plant to grow, so our God desires for me to grow in Him. His desire is for each one of us to grow in Him. This thought caused me to question two things:

  1. What am I to grow?
  2. How do I do that?

One verse came to my mind as quickly as the questions…

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”  (2 Peter 3:18NIV).

The answer to the first question – I am to grow both in the grace & in the knowledge of our Lord. I should be experiencing growth so as to be able to understand spiritual truth more than I did. I should be growing in familiarity with Christ & His Word. Peter stresses that we are to be making progress in Christian living.

The answer to the second question – by the very nature of progress, I will progress yet even more. That is how it will happen. Step by step. Day by day. Inch by inch. I once read this statement & I am not sure where I read it…”The life of a Christian is like riding a bike. Unless you keep moving, you will fall off.” Keep pressing on.

I think what has me so struck today is that God is eagerly anticipating, watching, & waiting to enjoy & rejoice in my growth. The very same way that I am now watching my sunflower waiting & anticipating it to grow to new heights that is the way that God is anticipating, eagerly waiting for me to grow.

For as I grow, it will bring glory to Him both now & forever more!!!