Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.”  The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. John 4:50 ESV

Faith in Jesus is jumping in with both feet.  We are not to dip our toe in to see if the water is comfortable.  Stepping out in faith is uncomfortable at times.  It requires us to walk on an unfamiliar path.  Living life according to the Spirit is counterintuitive to our very flesh; it is foolishness to the world.

Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? … For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 ESV

There is mystery in the way of God.  How can we begin to live what we don't understand?  How can we “make progress,” in spite of the obvious hurdles and roadblocks?  We desire closeness, but we keep Him at a distance.  We are followers of Christ who want to lead ourselves.  The laying down of our will is uncomfortable.  At times, obedience feels painful and impossible.  

The “difficulty” of spiritual growth is an illusion.  Isn't it easier to be taken care of, to be loved and to be upheld?  What is the pleasure of having our way when it leads to destruction?  This giving into self, interrupts our fellowship with God.  Some spots on this spiritual journey, feel like we are just stuck. 

In a life dedicated to Jesus Christ, He is working in our hearts to produce the results, even if we don't see them right away.  This journey of faith in Christ begins with a single step.  Often, we look back and realize that even at the times we could not see Him working in us, His plan was being accomplished.  

As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering.  So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.”  The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.”  And he himself believed, and all his household. John 4:49-54 ESV

Don’t be discouraged about your faith journey.  Stop comparing yours to someone else’s.  Remember today that God is always at work in your heart and be thankful!

Lord, we are thankful that YOU are bringing us along, helping us to become more like You.  Give us the desire to grow in the love and knowledge of You and Your Word.  Please help us to be patient with this process and to stay encouraged in our daily walk with You.