Just as a seed grows into a mighty tree through various stages, so does our spiritual growth unfold through distinct phases of development. It is a journey of transformation and enlightenment, wherein individuals deepen their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and align their lives with Biblical principles.
Spiritual growth involves not only acquiring knowledge but also embodying virtues, cultivating inner peace, and expressing love and compassion towards oneself and others. For further understanding, let's dive deeper into the concept!
Table of Contents
The Redemption Stage (Becoming a New Creation)
At the outset of our spiritual journey, we experience the profound moment of redemption—a rebirth into a new life in God. This stage marks the beginning of our journey, where we embrace the grace and forgiveness offered through the Lord Jesus Christ. As stated in (2 Corinthians 5:17), "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
During this phase, we may feel like spiritual infants, learning to walk in faith and discovering the foundational truths of the Gospel. It's a time of vulnerability and dependence on God's guidance, provision, and protection. The events in (Exodus 7-10) illustrate this stage through the plagues in Egypt, showcasing God's power in delivering His people from bondage. The Israelites didn't have to lift a finger; they didn't pray, fast, etc.
The Lord did everything for them, akin to a mother caring for her baby. All they had to do was follow the instructions given to Moses by the Lord. Most new converts experience the same at the beginning of their journey in Christ. I too had the same experience. I remember, I could just say a word or two in spiritual warfare, and the Lord came through for me.
The Stage of Provision and Protection
When the Isrealites entered the wilderness, the Lord continued to provide for them with spiritual food, known as 'Manna' (Deuteronomy 8:3), and water from a rock (Exodus 17:1-7 & Numbers 20:1-14). As their journey continued, the Lord also surrounded them with His protection, nurturing their spiritual growth and sustaining them along the way.
This provision can be traced back to (Exodus 13:21-22), where we see how God guided the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, symbolizing His presence and protection. As christians today, we can also attest to experiencing similar divine guidance, especially when facing spiritual attacks. The Lord is always there to protect, provide guidance through His word, and help when needed. Even in our day-to-day routines, His presence is unmistakable.
The Stage of Preparation for Spiritual Warfare
Unlike the first stage, where the Lord did everything for us, in this stage, we are expected to take part in the struggle. As we mature in our faith, the Lord prepares us for spiritual warfare, equipping us with the armor of God to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy (Ephesians 6:10-18). He no longer does everything for us but desires our active participation in the fight. It's akin to training a toddler to feed and walk on its own. Yes, the mother can feed the baby, but the baby needs to become independent! As we strive to learn and adjust, the Lord is always close to help when necessary.
In (Exodus 17:8-14), we witness the Israelites engaging in battle against the Amalekites at Rephidim, with Moses interceding and Joshua leading the fight. During this phase, we learn to wield the spiritual weapons at our disposal—faith, prayer, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit—to overcome spiritual opposition and advance God's kingdom. It's a time of training and empowerment, as God hones our spiritual muscles for the battles ahead (Psalm 144:1).
The Stage of Active Engagement in Spiritual Warfare
As we progress in our spiritual journey towards the Christ, we transition from being passive recipients of God's protection to active participants in spiritual warfare (2 Timothy 2-4). This is also reflected in the scriptures when the "manna" ceased once the Israelites entered the Promised Land, signaling a shift from dependence on supernatural provision to reliance on agricultural cultivation (Joshua 5:12).
God calls us to step into our spiritual authority and engage in the ongoing battle against darkness, standing firm in faith and boldly proclaiming His truth (Luke 10:19). Just as God fought alongside the Israelites in the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6), He fights alongside us as we confront spiritual strongholds and advance His kingdom. It's teamwork! Our role in these mature spiritual wars includes continuous prayer, fasting, and living in righteousness, while He fulfills His part by combating the evil forces assigned to destroy our lives (Exodus 14:14).
In Conclusion
The journey of spiritual growth is a dynamic and transformative process, characterized by distinct stages of development and divine guidance. As we traverse these stages—from redemption to provision, from preparation to active engagement—we are continually shaped and refined into the likeness of Christ.
May we embrace each stage of our spiritual journey with humility, perseverance, and faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. Let us draw strength from His Word, rely on His Spirit, and walk in obedience to His will, trusting that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).
As we navigate the path of spiritual growth, may we experience the fullness of God's love, the power of His presence, and the fulfillment of His purposes in our lives.