Spiritual Training

     Training our spiritual muscles takes time and training. Our knowledge of God and our faith-filled life can grow through struggle, through blessings, through tragic times and joy-filled moments. God works through all of life, if we are willing to let Him change us and train us.

     Our spiritual food is necessary for our souls. Our training in the Scriptures and in prayer brings a harvest of fruit into our lives. Don’t be afraid of disciplining yourself to spend time with Jesus. Just as our bodies sometimes cry out when we put them through some physical training, our spiritual disciplines can test our patience and take up our time. Paul reminds us, it is worth it!

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8

     God tells us just what our spiritual harvest will look like, as Jesus works on our hearts through our time spent with Him. Think about what this spiritual fruit looks like in your own life.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22

     When God works on any one of the fruits listed above, He will provide all of the challenging situations and experiences necessary to grow us spiritually. Have you gone through times that tested your patience and learned from them? Have you learned to discipline yourself in a certain area of your life that wasn’t healthy? Have you blessed someone that is difficult to be around and felt a peace in your soul? There are so many ways in which God grows this fruit.

     If you are being tested in some way right now, take it as a good sign. God may be growing the spiritual fruit necessary to become more like Him. It will bless your life and the lives of others.

Father,

Continue to grow us even when we are struggling through our tough times. Teach us Your ways that do not come naturally to us. Keep us rooted in the vine that is Jesus. He will grow the fruit for us that brings true value to our present lives and the lives to come.

In His name we pray,

Amen