3 Stages of Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth usually involves three stages. Can you identify yourself?

First, there is the conception period. This is the development stage of our lives. It may involve years of normal work experiences. Moses spent years in the court of Pharaoh and 40 years tending flocks in the desert. Jesus spent 30 years living at home and working in His father's carpentry business. However, all these years were part of their preparation.

Next is the crisis stage. Sooner or later, God calls you into a deepening relationship with Him. For many, like Paul, it comes through dramatic encounters like being knocked off a horse, blinded and spoken to personally by God. Some people are more difficult than others to reach and so require this level of crisis. This is a time when God requires major changes so that you follow Him fully. It can be a time in which God harnesses years of experience for a new life purpose.

Paul's earthly experiences would be used in his calling to the religious and political leaders of his day. For Moses, the burning bush experience would begin his journey in which he would discover his ultimate calling after years of preparation. For Peter, it was his denial of Jesus three times that allowed him to face his shallow commitment to Christ. For Jesus, it was the cross. These were the benchmark turning points for men who made an impact on their world.

Last is the fruit-bearing stage. In it, God's power is manifested in your life like never before. God takes all your experiences and uses them to build His Kingdom in and through your life. Your obedience to this final call results in fruitfulness you could never imagine without the long preparation process.For Abraham, it resulted in becoming the father of many nations.

For Paul, it resulted in bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. And for Peter, it meant becoming a foundational leader for the early Christian Church. For Jesus, it was salvation for the entire world.Where do you see yourself? Recall with me Ephesians 3:20: Glory be to God who by His mighty power at work within you is able to do far more than what you can think or dream of…

adapted from Os Hillman