6 comments

Kimberly Wagner

New Spiritual Territory

Posted on 07.11.12 by Kimberly Wagner | Twitter: @KimberlyWagner7

Every year when it gets close to my birthday, I start seeking God about what He wants me to focus on as an area of spiritual growth for the coming year. Each time, it has been an amazing journey as He leads me through new spiritual territory. It’s like tackling a new mountain range each year!

I start by praying, asking, and watching for God’s confirmation on the particular topic or focus. Then I’m blown away by how He orchestrates events through the year to teach me specific lessons on whatever that year’s focus is, and also to test me along the way.

For example, the year God led me to focus on purity of heart was a very difficult year. Unexpected and painful opposition was not what I had in mind when I set out to learn about “purity of heart”—but those things were necessary to give me the opportunity to learn that lesson. The year my focus was on learning to trust I was given medical reports on three different occasions indicating life-threatening cancer. The year I focused on humility I spent helping care for my father who was struggling with brain cancer.

Now, after I told you all that, I’m sure you’re ready to jump on board, right? I admit each year’s focus has come with tests. But when I look back, I see that the tests were really opportunities to deepen my spiritual understanding and maturity. And I’ve been able to watch God show up in some amazing ways.

I want to encourage you (if you’re not already doing this) to consider taking this intentional approach in your spiritual growth. You don’t have to wait until it’s your birthday or the start of a new year, you can do it today. 

Once God confirms the topic He wants you to focus on, gather a few good books, start researching Scripture references, and apply yourself to some in-depth study. Try memorizing portions of related Scripture. Getting the Word “in” you will bring a depth of meaning and understanding that goes beyond the academic level. 

It’s always the right time to seek God about a specific area of growth. Perhaps it’s a fruit of the Spirit, a characteristic described in the beatitudes, or a quality of Christ-likeness.

Have you asked God recently what specific area He wants you to focus on? Are you applying yourself to growth in that area? I’d love to hear about it.

Comments

  1. Happy Birthday Kim! I appreciated this post. I've tried to make a habit of looking back on recent events or the last six months of life and observing what the Lord has been working on in my life. Recently it has been humility and trust. I thought it was interesting that you mentioned those two. He's also been exposing and working on my tendancy to "beat myself up" in my mind. I'm so grateful for His work in my life, even when it hurts!
    posted by Tabitha
    on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 9:18 am
  2. I needed this today! You know that I am not exactly gifted in organization and can be easily distracted at times. At this time, because the ladies at my church did a study in June in the Psalms, I am seeking to grow in praying Scripture. That was the focus of the study-- studying the Psalms in order to use them in prayer. This Summer has been particularly challenging for me in that I usually can take extra long quiet times during the summer, but have been challenged just to stay consistent because of all we have going on in our lives right now.
    posted by Vivian
    on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 11:28 am
  3. I like your approach. We did 5 year increments in about ten areas, spiritual, health, marriage, etc. My husband is a real planner so we keep a 10 year plan and revise every 5 years. Now that we are looking into our 70's some of the visions we have set are very serious and some are funny.

    For instance, in the health area one of our goals is to have our own teeth at 70! I'm even laughing!! But, it does keep us focused on a goal and keeps us brushing, flossing and not breaking a regular appointment for cleaning.

    My husband and I are direct opposites so I'm thankful for his visions, they keep me grounded! God knew I needed a man like him!!
    http://laughingatwinter.blogspot.com/
    posted by Julie
    on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 12:48 pm
  4. Thanks so much Kim. I love this practical way of pursuing growth. I often struggle with a desire to study and grow, but get overwhelmed about where to start and how to proceed. I always have 10 different books and Bible studies partly done. You've presented a very helpful framework for addressing magpie tendencies.
    posted by Monica
    on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 9:15 am
  5. This is a wonderful post and very encouraging. I have felt the Lord bring to my heart "self control" (discipline) - I see so many areas in need of it in my life. So I want to research this fruit of the spirit. Thank you for helping me to get started.
    http://musingsofthemonroefamily.blogspot.com
    posted by Tracey M
    on Friday, July 13, 2012 at 4:51 pm
  6. The Lord has been teaching me to be STILL and QUIET inside my mind, besides externally. It goes beyond daily quiet time and devotions; I actually switch my thought-radio off, if that makes sense. In the quiet fellowship with HIM... that's when HIS still, small voice leads and teaches and heals. That's when I can be made aware of my inmost hidden thoughts and surrender them to HIM. It's very powerful for changing me.
    posted by sue
    on Friday, July 13, 2012 at 10:35 pm

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