There is a verse of Scripture about our Lord when He was young man … “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52, see the growth?

Now I have found a similar verse about David. (I am always interested in anything I can learn about growing in the Lord.)

Let me tell you about the David situation.

Saul is now dead, and Jonathan his son as well, having died in battle. But a surviving son named Ishbosheth, supported (incited) by Saul’s chief military man Abner, has been inserted as King of Israel. (Though David too has been enthroned as King of Judah by now. Judah, meaning the two Tribes of Jews south of Ishbosheth’s so-called Kingdom.)

The contention between these two “nations,” Israel and Judah was constant and at time fierce.

Now … here’s today’s Verse … “Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.” 2 Samuel 3:1

And therein is the secret for growth!

Any kind of growth, I suspect.

Financial growth, intellectual growth, emotional growth … but especially spiritual growth!

It comes a little at a time!

One step at a time!

One day at a time!

As we seek it and work for it and meditate upon it and relish it!

As we remain “diligent,” as Peter puts it in 2 Peter 1:5.

David grew stronger.

Saul’s house grew weaker!

David walked with God!

Ishbosheth did not!

I too want to be greater and greater (grow deeper and deeper) in the things of God!

This is important … part of the progress is due to our determination and stamina and resolve and persistence.

And part (the larger part I think) is in God’s Hands! Like this … “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But GOD is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” Psalm 75:6-7

Wow!

Are you growing in the Lord?

Or shrinking?

Think about it.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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