Your Daily Devotional for October 30, 2007

 

October 30,  2007

 

 

A Maturing Faith

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints."

 

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

 

 

The great violinist, Nicolo Paganini, willed his marvelous violin to Genoa, the city of his birth, but only on condition that the instrument never be played upon. It was an unfortunate condition, for it is a peculiarity of wood that as long as it is used and handled, it shows little wear. As soon as it is discarded, it begins to decay. The exquisite, mellow-toned violin has become worm-eaten in its beautiful case, valueless except as a relic. The moldering instrument is a reminder that a life withdrawn from all service to others loses its meaning.

 

Recorded in our verses today is a prayer of the Apostle Paul for the growing church at Thessalonica. It is a prayer for spiritual growth and maturity. His prayer shows us God's keen interest in the growth, health, and spiritual maturity of the local church.

 

As we approach near the end of this year and face the beginning of a new year, there are many opportunities awaiting us as God's people. We have new opportunities to worship God, witness to others, serve in our churches, and live for God. But none of these things are as vital as our present rate of spiritual growth. Above all else, God desires that we mature in our Christian faith and draw closer to Him.

 

What good is a larger church without spiritual hearts? What good is a new bus route or a more dynamic choir if we are not cultivating our hearts for God? Ministry and service to God must flow from Christ-centered hearts if it is to be pleasing to God. Over the next few days we will see three areas in which we continue to grow. Today, let's see that we must have faith to mature.

 

We see in verse ten of our verses today, "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?" The word perfect in that verse implies full development. As children of God, we are to mature in our faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."  Without faith, it is impossible to please God! We must have faith in all we do if we wish to please Him.

 

As we endeavor to mature in faith, we must expect the Lord's testing. A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted. God will test our faith, not to destroy it, but to develop it and bring it to maturity. Sometimes we can encounter a small setback and be tempted to quit, but we must endure the testing and mature in faith.

 

If we desire to grow in faith and mature spiritually, we must expect testing to enter our lives. We must not become angry with God, but we must accept His growing and let Him mature our faith. Are you in a time of testing? Does it seem as if God is stretching your faith? Good! The only way we can mature in faith is when we subject our will to God's testing and allow Him to grow us. Spend time with God now and allow Him to work in your life. Give your will over to Him and allow Him to mature your faith today.

 

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

Jeremiah 20-21 • 2 Timothy 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

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