How can we encourage others to trust God's timing for spiritual advancement? The Foundation: Hebrews 6:3 “And this we will do if God permits.” The writer has just spoken of pressing on to maturity. Yet he pauses to acknowledge that every forward step depends on God’s permission and timing. Spiritual advancement is never self-generated; it is divinely granted. Recognizing God’s Sovereignty in Growth • Psalm 139:16 – our days were “ordained” before one began. • 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 – “God gave the growth.” • Philippians 1:6 – He who began the work “will perfect it.” These passages anchor the heart: God alone decides when and how growth unfolds. Resting in His sovereignty frees us from striving in the flesh. Ways to Encourage Others to Trust His Timing • Share Scripture‐soaked testimonies of waiting—Abraham (Romans 4:20-21), Joseph (Genesis 50:20), David (Psalm 27:14). Real stories make divine timing tangible. • Remind them of Isaiah 55:8-9: His thoughts and ways soar above ours. • Point to Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” • Celebrate incremental progress; small victories are evidence that God is already at work. • Speak words of life—Proverbs 18:21—replacing frustration with faith-filled affirmation. Practical Steps in Community • Pray with and for them, aligning requests with God’s revealed purposes. • Offer regular Scripture encouragement—Romans 15:4 says the Word gives endurance and hope. • Practice Ephesians 4:15: “speaking the truth in love,” gently redirecting impatience toward trust. • Model patience yourself; example often teaches louder than instruction. Guarding Against Comparison and Impatience • Galatians 6:4-5 – each believer should “examine his own work,” not another’s timeline. • James 5:7-8 – “Be patient…the Lord’s coming is near.” Waiting becomes worship when linked to Christ’s return. • 1 Peter 5:6 – “Humble yourselves…that He may exalt you in due time.” Fixing Our Eyes on Christ • Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” He trusted the Father’s timetable perfectly. • Philippians 3:13-14 – forgetting what lies behind, we press on toward God’s upward call, confident He paces the race. Assurance of Ultimate Maturity • 1 Thessalonians 5:24 – “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” • Jude 24 – He is able “to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless.” These promises seal our encouragement: spiritual advancement is certain, though the schedule rests in hands far wiser than ours. |
    |