Originally published Monday, 27 December 2021.
(Photo Credit: 123RF)
Whenever you’re reading this post, I believe it will be timely. I’m praying on it! As a Christian woman, are you looking to grow in your personal life? How about growing spiritually? Do you have personal goals? How about spiritual goals? Let’s talk about how to grow in both areas in 2022.
If you were to do a self-examination, where would you like to grow personally? Is it in your finances? How about your health? Would you like to be slimmer and trimmer? I know I would and that is actually one of my personal goals.
Let’s go a little bit deeper. Would you like to be a better woman, mother, wife, daughter, employee, ministry or business leader? Do you feel like you need to cultivate your gifts and talents this year? If so, which one(s)? What weaknesses would you like to strengthen?
These are all self-reflection questions and I’d love for you to ponder them for a moment. Actually, today might be a good day to begin journaling about them so that you can start the process of laying out a plan of action. My motto is, “Nothing happens until you start moving.” I believe that in order to experience the life change and growth that we desire, we’ve got to pray, lay it out, and begin moving forward. Sooner or later, we’ll begin to see transformation.
Now, let’s talk about growing spiritually. I’d love to start with going inside. Think about your life. Are there areas that need tuning up? In other words, are you struggling with having a bad attitude, fear, lack of faith or trust in God, cursing, negative thoughts or emotions, or lust? What's your current struggle (the one that maybe no one sees)?
Whenever I notice any of these issues in my life, I go to God with it. Yep! I sit down and talk to Him about it. I let Him know that I’m struggling, and we go to work together. I am definitely not alone in the process of spiritual transformation and neither are you, Sis. Philippians 2:13 reassures us of this truth saying, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” I love it!
Maybe you’re not struggling with a sin issue. Maybe you’re simply wanting to grow in your walk with the Lord. I get it! Because I am there with you, Sister! For me personally, I would like to read the Bible straight through this year. So, what did I do? I bought a 365-Day Chronological Bible where it prompts me to read the Bible daily.
I did this to help me intentionally dig in deeper, while having a more consistent dose of God’s Word daily. I don’t know about you, but life gets busy. So I sometimes have to be creative in my devotional approach. And I cannot wait to dive in! I am soooooo looking forward to it!
With that said, what are you looking forward to as you dive deeper into God’s Word in 2022? Are you looking to gain more insight on who God is in your life? Are you looking to learn more about His character, ways, and how He guided others of old?
Are you looking to memorize Scripture or meditate on it more this year? Are you looking to learn more wisdom through the book of Proverbs or dig in more into the minor or major prophets or end times (eschatology)?
Maybe you’re wanting to grow more spiritually as it relates to evangelism, teaching, preaching, or discipling others. Wherever you are on this topic, take some time to write out your spiritual goals. Pray over them. Talk to God about them.
And here’s a fun suggestion!
Consider scheduling a coffee chat (whether in person or over a livestream) with a trusted friend and prepare to share your personal and spiritual goals. You can hold each other accountable throughout the year.
Growing personally and spiritually can be so refreshing and rewarding. As Christians, we want to continue growing in our walk with Christ in every way. We want to keep maturing in our faith. I love what Colossians 2:7 says, “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
As I prepare to close, I want to encourage you to walk very closely with God. Trust Him with every detail of your life. He knows what’s ahead of you. And He knows how to bless you. So do life with Him both personally and spiritually this year and beyond.
Remember that Jesus Christ is coming back soon. And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So, let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
Question: Do you want to grow personally? How about spiritually? If so, in what ways?
Also, if you need prayer, you can email me directly and I will pray for you at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com.
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Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose. Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences, and her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe. She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).
Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in Christ, character, and calling. She is an author and sought-out speaker. Her speaking appearances include She Speaks, Hope*Writers Tuesday Teaching, Christian Parenting Conference, and Entrusted Women’s Conference. In addition, her blog and podcast, Inside Out with Courtnaye reaches thousands of women across the globe! She is also the founder of the faith-based marketing and mentorship agency, Inside Out Media Group, LLC, where she’s worked with platforms such as PBS, CBN, TCT Networks, and Yahoo. Connect with her at www.courtnayerichard.com or on Instagram @insideoutwithcourtnaye.
Click here to see the full list of Inside Out with Courtnaye episodes!
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