Finding Spiritual Growth through Grace

  We often begin each day relying on our own effort to grow spiritually. We know we should read our Bibles more consistently. We know we should pray, even when we’re tired and rushed in the morning or tempted to skip it at night. We sense the need to detox from constant noise and simply be still in God’s presence.

  But instead of peace, we often feel guilt. Instead of discipline, we feel like failures. Our energy gets spent in other places, and we’re left secretly exhausted, not just by life, but by the pressure we put on ourselves to try harder and “be better Christians”.

  This rhythm is common, even among well-meaning Christians. But it leaves us wondering: If this is how we grow closer to God, why does it feel so hard?

  The truth is, spiritual growth does require effort, but we were never meant to carry it alone. God never asked us to rely solely on our willpower. In fact, He promises that He is the one doing the deeper work.

  Think of the famous Michelangelo painting, The Creation of Adam: God’s arm is extended fully, deliberately, passionately toward man. And Adam? He’s barely lifting a finger. It’s not a picture of equal effort, it’s a picture of grace. Of God reaching farther than we ever could.

  Since the beginning, God has been the one coming after us every time we strayed. He’s always been faithful to pursue us, because He desires a deep relationship with us even more than we desire it with Him. That truth can feel both beautiful and heartbreaking. But if we believe it, we can rest in knowing that God not only exceeds the little effort we give, He helps us with our part too.

  As you finish out this week with the Lord, ask for His help each time you want to pray, read the Bible, or just quietly sit in His presence. In your lack of motivation and energy, say, “Lord help me in my weakness,” and be confident that He will be faithful to answer that request. And even your asking for His help is a form of worship: a humble, beautiful dependence on the Lord saying, “Apart from You, I can do nothing.”

“The soul that truly desires God, even in weakness, will find that He comes running to meet it.”

-St. Macarius the Great