Grace Growth & Gods Plan

Embark on a soulful journey through the intricate relationship between grace, growth, and God's divine plan in our latest episode. We explore the very essence of grace—a gift bestowed upon us that should serve as the foundation for our spiritual journey. By grounding our discussion in Ephesians 2:8-9, we remind you that grace cannot be earned through our deeds; it is a divine, unconditional gift freely given by God. This understanding transforms how we navigate our faith.

As the host shares personal tales of her own spiritual struggles, listeners are encouraged to contemplate their experiences. Ever found yourself searching for the perfect church community? The quest for perfection often distracts us from the beauty inherent in our personal relationship with God. We discuss the vital importance of quiet time and reflection, emphasizing that growth is facilitated through our own intentional communion with the Lord, rather than solely through external religious structures. 

The chaos of spiritual growth is a key theme, reinforcing the idea that growth is about progress, not perfection. Every stumble, setback, and challenge presents an opportunity to lean deeper into God's grace. The episode emphasizes that spiritual growth is a journey filled with ups and downs, inviting listeners to embrace their unique paths with patience and trust in God’s timing. 

We'll remind you that regardless of how messy life may get, God’s grace is tirelessly at work, propelling you toward His perfect design for your life. So tap into our discussion, share your thoughts, and together let us walk this beautiful journey of faith, one step at a time. Remember, grace is the foundation, growth is the journey, and God’s plan is the ultimate destination! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to join our faith community.

Chapters

• 0:22 Exploring the Relationship Between Grace and Growth
• 6:11 Understanding the Ongoing Transformation of Grace
• 13:34 Trusting God’s Plan Through Spiritual Growth

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:09

Welcome back to Divine Harmony, her Voice in Faith. I'm your host, cliche Rice, and I'm so happy to have you back with me. If you are joining for the first time, I'm especially excited to have you here Today. We're diving into something truly beautiful and powerful the relationship between grace, growth and God's perfect plan. These elements, though distinct, work hand in hand to shape us into the people God has called us to be. As you listen today, I want you to reflect on how God's grace has shown up in your life. Whether you're just beginning your spiritual journey or have been walking with Christ for years, this episode is for you. I pray this message resonates with you and encourages you on your path.

Speaker 1: 0:58

So let's start with grace. When we look at Ephesians 2, 8 through 9, it says For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing. It is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast. And that's Ephesians, chapter 2, 8 through 9. So grace is the starting point of everything in the Christian life. It's the gift that makes salvation possible. It's not something we can earn or work for. It's given freely by God. I've come to realize this truth deeply. But I'll admit it wasn't always easy for me to accept. For years I thought and this is going to sound strange and I don't know why I thought this, but I thought grace was something I had to earn. I would go to church, I would seek to serve, I would jump into groups that weren't the best fit for me all in an effort to prove myself to God, for me all. In an effort to prove myself to God. And it's so strange because it's like I knew better, but I still did it. I'd get frustrated, thinking that if I could just find the right group or get involved in the right ministry, I'd somehow be more I don't know acceptable to God. But the thing about it was I had to learn the hard way. Grace isn't earned through our works. It's freely given. It's a gift that, when accepted, it changes everything about how we approach our walk in Christ. God loves us, he chooses us and extends grace to us simply because he is good. We don't deserve it, but that's the beauty of it, right? That's the beauty of God, that's the beauty of his heart, that's the beauty of grace. We don't deserve it, but it's given anyway.

Speaker 1: 2:57

I remember this one time where I went through what I called like church hopping. I kept looking for that perfect church. But what I didn't realize at the time was that I wasn't just searching for a perfect church. I was looking for perfection in myself. It's like I was blaming the church for my own lack of growth, and every time I didn't feel perfect or whole, I moved on, convinced that the next church would be the answer. I was literally looking to the church and blaming them for my lack of growth. I was going to church, I was listening to the pastor. He was preaching, he was talking, I was hearing him, but I didn't feel like he was speaking to my heart. I didn't feel like I was growing spiritually. And I blame that on the church instead of blaming that on my personal relationship with God.

Speaker 1: 3:50

Because what I've noticed now is my quiet time, my reflection, when I'm talking with Christ every morning during my daily devotion. That's where I'm getting fed, that's where I'm growing spiritually. So then, when I do go to church and I sit in front of the minister and I sit in front and I sit in the groups and I sit, I have a different perspective. I have a different reaction. I have a different. What's the word I'm looking for. I look at it differently, right Through God's eyes, through unfiltered eyes I love differently because of the time that I've spent with God in the quiet time.

Speaker 1: 4:30

So the growing doesn't come from in my particular instance it didn't come from the church, like I was literally looking to them and mad that I wasn't growing. So I was jumping from church to church thinking it was the minister that was preaching to me and really it was just my relationship with Christ. Right, it was that I was blaming them when it was really me. So, looking back, I realize how misguided that thinking was. But we're all in different. It's a journey, right. So we grow, we learn as we go. But definitely, looking back, I realized how misguided that thinking was. It wasn't the church that needed to change, it was me.

Speaker 1: 5:17

God had to teach me that grace isn't about perfection, it's about progress. And he was working in me even when I didn't even see it. Grace doesn't come with strings attached, it's unconditional period. And once I truly accepted that, my perspective shifted. I understood that God's love for me wasn't based on my ability to get everything right, it was rooted in his character. I didn't have to be perfect and I just love that he showed me that. I'm grateful that he educated me on that. I'm grateful that, even when I didn't see it and I didn't know, he was working in me to get me to where I am now, and I'm very grateful for that. All right, let's talk a little bit about growth. Right?

Speaker 1: 6:13

Once we receive God's grace, it begins a transformation in us. This grace isn't a one-time event. It's ongoing Every day as we walk in faith. Grace is working in us, helping us grow in understanding of God's love for us and teaching us how to live in alignment with his will. Okay, it begins a transformation in us.

Speaker 1: 6:42

So sometimes you hear people say or I've heard people say, oh, that person has been in the church for 40 years and they haven't changed. They're the same that they were when they got in the church versus now. What's going on with the transformation? Because when you build that relationship with Christ, when you have that quiet time with him, he gives you his grace and it should begin a transformation in you. So I always wonder, when I hear that statement, what's actually going on? And what's going on is relationship.

Speaker 1: 7:20

People tend to get caught up in routine and they forget to go back home, pick up your Bible. Read and get in front of God during quiet time. Get in front of God during quiet time, right? So I always try to encourage myself, no matter what I'm doing, to take time away with God. We need that quiet time. That's when he speaks to us, that's when we learn, that's how we grow.

Speaker 1: 7:53

And grace isn't a one-time event, as I said before. It's ongoing Every day as we walk in faith. Grace is working in us, helping us to grow in understanding of God's love, in understanding of his word, in understanding of his teachings. Right, teaching us how to live in alignment with his will. Spiritual growth let's be real, right, for a second. Let's talk about spiritual growth, and let's be real for a second. It's not always easy. It is not easy. In fact, it's often messy. Right? God is telling us things we need to stop doing. We're fighting against what his will is, because we want what we want when we want it, and our flesh is rising up.

Speaker 1: 8:40

There's days when I feel like I'm on top of the world, close to God and full of faith, jumping like I can jump from a mountaintop. There's other days I feel distant, like I've fallen so far off the path. Maybe you felt that too. It's like you take one step forward but then stumble two steps back. And let me tell you, I'm in my word every day and sometimes I feel like that, and I think that also has to do with it's not the feeling, right, it's action. We have to be intentional and even when I don't feel like doing it, I read my Bible. Even when I don't feel like praying, I pray and what I've noticed is, if I intentionally seek God's face, he shows up.

Speaker 1: 9:23

So, although it's not easy, right, that spiritual growth Although sometimes you feel on top of the world, although sometimes you don't feel like doing anything, although sometimes you feel like you fell short, it's intentional. Make sure you get in the word anyway, right, there's moments when you know for me, there's moments of progress, there's moments of setbacks, moments of questioning, moments of questioning, but through it all, god's grace is with us and he is who we need to run to in the time of need period. And the beautiful thing about this is God's grace doesn't run out. Even when we fall, his grace is there to pick us up, to dust us off and remind us that we're still on the journey with him. It doesn't run out, it's ongoing, it's forever. You see, growth isn't about being perfect, as I thought. It's about becoming more like Christ, one step at a time. Sometimes those steps are huge and clear and sometimes they feel like we're crawling right, but they're all part of God's perfect plan.

Speaker 1: 10:39

I remember days when I felt frustrated with where I was in my walk, thinking I should be further along. But God gently reminded me that growth takes time. I used to put so much pressure on myself why am I not there yet, lord? Why does that person look like that and I don't? Lord? What is your perfect plan for me, lord? Sometimes it came easy. I was taking one step at a time. Sometimes those steps were really big and God revealed things to me. They were clear, he spoke clearly, I understood it and I was like, yes. And then sometimes I felt like I was crawling to gain his insight, like literally like a baby crawling towards him, baby stepping in. But it was all part of God's perfect plan, although those days were very frustrating, very frustrating sometimes, because I felt like you know, lord, I'm seeking, I'm doing what's going on. Why am I not where I need to be yet? Why do I feel like I still have one foot in, one foot out. Why am I still wrestling with this thought or wrestling with that idea or wrestling with that behavior?

Speaker 1: 11:51

But God gently reminded me that growth takes time. It's not something that happens overnight, and now I trust more in God's timing. His plan for me is so much bigger than any momentary struggle or doubt that I have. I am rooted and trust me. I've had my fair share of doubts, but when we lean into God's grace, we learn to trust his plan even when we don't understand it fully.

Speaker 1: 12:27

Growth doesn't mean we have it all together. It means we're trusting God with peace and we're trusting him with pieces of our journey and allowing him to piece it together in his perfect way. So we're trusting God with peace. We're trusting him with piecing our journey together and allowing him to do it in his perfect way. Amen. As we grow, we also grow in trust. We learn to trust that, even when life feels messy, god's plan is unfolding perfectly. There's a deep peace in knowing that he's in control, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. So, guys, I encourage you today, if you're facing challenges or wondering where God is leading, you, remember that grace is the foundation, growth is the journey and God's plan is the ultimate destination. Don't rush the process. Take your time, one step at a time. God will get you there. He is working behind the scenes, he's molding you and guiding you, even when it doesn't feel that way.

Speaker 1: 13:49

All right guys, let's close with prayer. Father, thank you for your grace, which is the foundation of our faith. Thank you, lord God, for being with us through every season of growth. We trust your plan, father God, for our lives in perfect harmony with your will, and that you are working. All things, father God, together for our good. Help us to lean into your grace, to embrace the journey of growth and to rest in the assurance that you are with us every step of the way. In Jesus name, I pray Amen.

Speaker 1: 14:31

All right guys, so I never want to assume that you already know Christ personally because you can believe. I mean, you can be long before you believe. But if you're listening today and something in your heart is stirring, I want to invite you to come back home, to return to your first love. If this resonates with you and you want to know Jesus in a more personal way, I encourage you to repeat this prayer after me Father in heaven, I acknowledge that I am a sinner and I repent of my sin. I ask you to come into my life and renew a right spirit within me. I surrender my heart to you and I invite you to lead me on this journey. Thank you for your grace, for your love and for your forgiveness In Jesus Christ. I pray, amen and amen, all right. So if you just prayed that prayer, I'm excited for you.

Speaker 1: 15:32

Get in a Bible-based church in your area, find someone that you can lean on and speak to. If you need prayer or if you need guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to us here at Divine Harmony, her Voice and Faith. The website is wwwdivineharmonyfaithcom. We would love to hear from you.

Speaker 1: 15:52

As we wrap up today's episode, I want to leave you with this reminder Grace is the foundation, growth is the journey and God's plan is the ultimate destination. Growth is the journey and God's plan is the ultimate destination. Even when things seem uncertain or difficult, trust that God is at work in your life. He's leading you step by step towards his perfect plan. Thank you so much for listening today at today's episode of Divine Harmony, her Voice and Faith. I pray you feel encouraged and uplifted as you continue on your faith journey. I pray you feel encouraged and uplifted as you continue on your faith journey, remember God's grace is always sufficient for you and he's leading you towards your purpose. Keep growing, keep trusting and keep walking in his love. If you enjoyed today's episode, please, please, share, like, subscribe, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and don't forget to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. Until next time, bye.