I was impressed to go to Bro. Spurgeon's page. While there, I noted the verse on his heart this day so many years ago; "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever." (2 Pet 3.18)
The words, "grow in grace..." caught my attention. The year 2025 has been difficult. Loss, discouragement and trial has marked my way. I understand His "grace is (always) sufficient," However, as I get older, it is often more difficult to bear. Then, this morning, I looked at the phrase, again, "grow in grace."
Something definitely shifted in my heart. I don't know if I may explain it clearly, but I want to try. Much of the spiritual life mimics the natural life. Scripture points this out distinctly in 1 Peter 2.2, when describing how like babies desire, even need milk to grow so we "as newborn babes (are to) desire (and need) the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby."
So, the question is "Have I grown in grace, even a little, since I met the Lord in the free pardon of sin forty-three years ago?" The answer is, "I believe a least a bit." The reason I may state this is a recent situation involving a loved one.
When asked to get medicine for them, I also offered "could I bring you lunch?" The answer was "I'll let you know." When at the store getting the medicine it cost much more than expected. This caused me to be apprehensive about picking up lunch also. When discussing the particulars of an OTC medicine desired I asked if they would get a less expensive lunch. The reply was "don't worry about it, you've done enough for me." This made me feel cheap and worthless because I didn't trust the Lord to provide for this loved one in the best way I knew how. So, I did not take lunch. Even though I did get the medicine and take a few other things. The discouragement, despair and dismay hung over me like a heavy storm cloud. I tried to "shake it off" but it wouldn't go.
I determined, that when the opportunity presented itself I would simply apologize that I "botched" it up and move on. Then this morning I saw the verse about "growing in grace," and while musing about "grace" in His economy, the loved one called, said the medicine worked and all was well again.
The "growing" part came when I prayed this morning and my heart knew that the Lord would work it all out. It's okay to feel the negative emotions as long as you acknowledge His will, His way and His Word, to keep pressing forward.
So, if you are asking yourself "have I grown in grace since getting saved," think about how you respond now as opposed to how you did before the Holy Spirit became your Guide.
God bless and keep you in 2026 is my prayer.
