My Year of Spiritual Growth
2010 was by far the year which I grew spiritually more than any other year in my life. 2009 was a difficult year for me on many levels and entering 2010 I had no idea where God was leading me but it ended being an unbelievable year for me. After thinking about it recently I can sum it up to one reason as to why...I began listening to God and followed His calling on my life. Hearing from God is difficult for a lot of people to do so I wanted to share the three ways in which I have began hearing from God.
- Reading His word CONSISTENTLY. If you asked anybody if they read their Bible I would bet everyone single one of them would say "yes". But maybe the better question would be if they read their Bible consistently. I have read my Bible sporadically since I became a Christian 15 years ago, but it wasn't until last March that began reading it everyday. Also read it strengthen your spiritual walk not out of guilt and also I recommend have someone who will hold you accountable for it and also someone you discuss what you read. (You would be surprised how God can use the same passage to say two different things to two different people.) I can't began to explain how much God will speak to you through His word daily.
- CONSTANTLY Surround yourself with other believers. Outside of Sundays, how often do you discuss Jesus and what He is doing in your life? I unashamedly say that my friends are better than anybody else, seriously, I have been tremendously blessed with phenomenal friends, but in 2010 two people came into my life who without a doubt have strengthen my faith and made me a better person. First is Kristine Medlock, who I met in Kenya (well not actually IN Kenya but on the trip) and from our very first conversation to now we've talked about Jesus every single day and what He is teaching us. The other is Tom Haren, who I have developed a great friendship and relationship with who prays for me regularly and who I know is there whenever I need him. Who in your life is making you a better person?
- Start looking for God in EVERYTHING. By nature I am a people person...I love people and I love talking to people. But in 2010 I have somehow seen Jesus teaching me something in almost every conversation I had. I believe this happened because I began looking for Him. From things as small as where to serve at church or as big as whether or not to go to Africa. Simple concept I know but once you start seeing every encounter as an opportunity to hear from God, you will be amazed how much He will teach you.
God will speak to you in multiple ways but these are the three ways he spoke to me the most in 2010. Since I grew as much as I did in 2010, I can't began to explain how excited I am to see what he will be teach me in 2011.
I'm so proud of you!! :)