“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:18, ESV)

In our last post, we explored the danger of sitting still at the “spiritual bus station”. We discussed how easy it is to just go through the motions. But once you take that decisive step of obedience and board the bus, something miraculous starts to happen! Incredibly, life becomes an exciting adventure.

Remember, boarding the bus is not about striving by your own strength. Instead, it is about getting into the flow of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, there is no greater joy on earth than realizing you are actually changing. Not only are you changing, you are changing for the better. You are becoming more like Jesus!

Spotting the “Little Signs”

Genuine spiritual growth is not always a blinding light on the road to Damascus. Most of the time, the joy of spiritual growth is found in the beautiful, quiet “little signs” blooming in your everyday life. Have you noticed them lately?

• It’s that surprising sense of contentment when circumstances go wrong.
• It’s the bubbling joy that has nothing to do with your bank account.
• It’s the deep, settling peace in the middle of a literal or emotional storm.
• It’s finding patience when you used to be frustrated immediately.
• It is experiencing calmness when you used to panic.

These are not just minor personality adjustments; this is the Fruit of the Spirit showing up in you! This transformation is undeniable evidence that Christ is being formed within you. Therefore, that is something to get incredibly excited about!

The Beautiful Upward Spiral

Here is the best part of the joy of spiritual growth: it is a beautiful upward spiral! As you board the bus, the Holy Spirit moves in your life.

1. The more you experience the calmness and peace of living a life of obedience, the more you want to get closer to God.
2. The closer you get to Him, the more deeply you love Him.
3. The more you love Him, the more joyful and effortless it becomes to obey Him.

Ultimately, it is a holy momentum that propels you from “one degree of glory to another”! You are not just moving; you are soaring. Every single step of obedience makes the next step feel lighter. Truly, you are tasting the sheer goodness of God’s character reflected in your own life.

If you are stuck at the station, take that step today. But if you are on the bus, look around at the beautiful landscape of fruit growing in your life and celebrate! The journey is joyous, and the destination is guaranteed!

Take the Next Step

Take five minutes right now. Write down three specific “little signs” of growth you have noticed in yourself over the last few months. (For example, maybe you are less anxious, more generous, or slower to anger). Celebrate that victory, share it with a friend, and let it motivate you to take the next step of obedience today!

I invite you to say this prayer.
Father, thank You for the incredible miracle of transformation! I am so excited that You are changing me to be more like Jesus. Thank You for the gift of patience, peace, and joy that I feel taking root. Draw me close to you. Keep me close to You. Fill my heart with love, and give me the joyful energy to obey You in everything! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.