“By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”
Hebrews 10:14
World-famous Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi said in 2012, “It took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success.” He did not instantly become the player who often is deemed the world’s best. He developed over time.
Players must continue to grow to progress in their sport, otherwise they will stall out. Athletes may enter a season of missing every shot, dropping every ball, losing every race, or giving up every pitch. They must come out of the slump and then see the distance they’ve covered. The progress is remarkable, though it may have been agonizingly difficult to get there.
These thoughts give us some insight for our spiritual walk with the Lord. It can seem like nothing is happening—as if we’re in a slump. But God is at work in our hearts. The writer of Hebrews tells us we are in the process of being made holy and that in fact, by God’s grace, we are already made perfect in His sight. What a marvelous thing that is! Nothing in our lives is wasted. The Lord is sanctifying His children in His providential way.
Players must continue to grow to progress in their sport, otherwise they will stall out. Athletes may enter a season of missing every shot, dropping every ball, losing every race, or giving up every pitch. They must come out of the slump and then see the distance they’ve covered. The progress is remarkable, though it may have been agonizingly difficult to get there.
These thoughts give us some insight for our spiritual walk with the Lord. It can seem like nothing is happening—as if we’re in a slump. But God is at work in our hearts. The writer of Hebrews tells us we are in the process of being made holy and that in fact, by God’s grace, we are already made perfect in His sight. What a marvelous thing that is! Nothing in our lives is wasted. The Lord is sanctifying His children in His providential way.
Scripture Focus
Proverbs 3:1-6
Insight
“The growth of trees takes place so slowly….But, in the course of time, we see a great change …. So it is with … sanctification.” (John Owen, 1616-1683)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Chronicles 24-25
- Psalm 5
- Matthew 6-7