"The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time." – Abraham Lincoln

Psalm 37:23-24 – The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand. (NASB)

In the dining room of our assisted living facility, one of my tablemates told me that she had recently received instructions from her physician to begin an exercise and diet program. She was assigned a dietician who recommended a step exercise routine.

The initial objective of the step program was set at 10,000 steps a day. However, depending on prior physical activity, benefit is optimized when the body increases endurance one step at a time.

My friend began her walking exercise with the goal of 2,000 steps a day. Each day had its own challenges; some days she would do more steps, and other days fewer, with the aim of getting to the final goal or rising above it.

With the incremental increase of my physical challenges, I, too, am learning to take one step at a time.

Zechariah 4:10a – Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. (NLT)

This experience caused me to consider my personal spiritual growth. This is not optional or marginal in the Christian life. God is not done with His work when we first believe and are saved. He intends to shape us into the image of Christ day by day. Every person who is obedient to the Spirit of Christ is increasingly transformed into His likeness.

Philippians 1:6 – And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (NLT)

Consider this: How are we progressing in our own spiritual growth?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, assist us to grow through prayer, becoming students of Your Word, sharing the blessings of our spirituality, and giving You the glory by our speech, behaviour, and worship. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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