So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel. Luke 1:80 NKJV
The theme verse makes mention of John the Baptist’s growth and spiritual strength. A similar account is found concerning the child Jesus in Luke 2:40.
To properly understand spiritual growth, observe the growth of a natural man. A baby is conceived, they grow in their mother’s womb, and are born after nine months. They need constant nourishment to grow.Spiritual growth progresses in a similar manner. Just as children need a home, the Church is our home. Just as mothers feed their babies, pastors and spiritual leaders feed us with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15).
Prayer alone won’t make you grow. You must balance it with the Word. Desire the sincere milk of the Word to grow (1 Peter 2:2). Consistently participate in church programs such as Sunday Services and mid-week Patria Movement Gatherings where you are fed with the Word. God cares for His children and provides them with shepherds/pastors for their nourishment.
Growth isn’t a miracle; it’s an intentional and correct application of revealed means and principles. As parents, we must choose for our children to grow, and as adults, we must make the choice to grow and develop. Growth brings excitement and joy to every parent and everyone who achieves it.
Do you desire to be strong spiritually? Then desire or choose to grow because the Lord Holy Spirit can only strengthen what is developed and grown. “Afterward, their son grew up and was strengthened by the Holy Spirit…” (Luke 1:80 TPT). Both John the Baptist and our Lord Jesus Christ were strengthened or became strong in spirit after they grew.
This term “strong” is translated from the Greek word krataioō which also means to empower, to increase in vigor, to be strengthened. We can also use the words to be divinely fortified. There must be conscious yieldedness and acknowledgment of the person of Holy Spirit in order for Him to minister strength to you.
CONFESSION
Father, I thank You for Your Words. I thank You for the Pastors You have given me, to feed me with Your Word. I declare that as I feed on Your Word, I grow. I grow in wisdom, in knowledge and in understanding. I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His Might. I am strong and I do mighty exploits in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Amen!
DEEPER REFLECTION
1Peter 2:2 (KJV), 1 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)
BIBLE READING PLAN
1 YEAR: Numbers 22-23, John 2
2 YEAR: Exodus 20, Matthew 26:31-45
