In order to get stronger we have to sometimes push ourselves beyond our comfort zone. In order to produce muscle growth, you have to apply a load of stress greater than what your body or muscles had previously adapted too. When you progress into increasing your weight load you will see your numbers go up. After you workout, your body repairs or replaces damaged muscle fibers. Interesting that in order to get stronger muscles that have to break down first. The same process is true in our growth as a Christian.
Yesterday I heard a sermon about sanctification. What is sanctification? As beleivers who have accepted Christ, we are set apart from the world. We are to demonstrate to the unbeleiving world who Christ is. It is a process from the moment we become God’s child. We all have an aquired environment that we grew up in. Aquired meaning our thoughts and attitudes are results from what we were exposed to as a child. Some positive, some not. Regardless of what are past was like, we all having something hindering our growth and freedom in the Lord. We all have damaged emotions that link to something or someone. Is it fear, unforgiveness, rejection, greed, bitterness, or all of the above? We have to confess these things in order to overcome them. Choose to be healed from them. Brokeness precedes wholeness. Just like our muscles. We have to broken down to become stronger. Sanctified is the breaking process of the beleiver to be conformed into the likeness of His son. It is a journey and just like how it took you a long time to hit your PR. It also takes time to for the healing and restoration to take place. Be willing to forgive others, Be honest, stop blaming other people, and don’t be too proud to ask for help.
but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23