BIBLE TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 1:3–7 (KJV)
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
EXHORTATION
KEY VERSE:
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
Welcome to Mercy Speaking Daily Devotional on this Monday, October 26, 2026. Yesterday, in When God Is Building Your Faith, we reflected on how trials can develop patience and strengthen our trust in God. Today, we consider Spiritual Growth Is a Process. Many Christians desire immediate transformation. We want to overcome our weaknesses, develop strong faith, understand God’s Word deeply and consistently demonstrate the character of Christ. Although God can bring sudden change, spiritual maturity ordinarily develops over time as we learn His Word, obey His instructions, depend on the Holy Spirit and respond faithfully to the experiences of life. We must therefore learn to appreciate the work God is doing in us without becoming complacent about the areas where we still need to grow.
The life of John Newton, the English Anglican clergyman who wrote the hymn Amazing Grace, illustrates how significant personal transformation can involve a long process. In March 1748, while returning to England aboard a ship caught in a severe storm, Newton experienced a spiritual awakening that began a change in his life. However, his transformation was not complete at that moment; he continued working in the slave trade for several years before leaving it. He was ordained as a Church of England minister in 1764 and later became an outspoken opponent of the slave trade, publishing his account of its horrors in 1788. Newton’s journey demonstrates both the reality of God’s transforming grace and the need to confront wrongdoing as understanding and conviction deepen. His history is documented by the Library of Congress. His story reminds us that an encounter with God’s grace should begin a life of continuing change, repentance and obedience.
In Philippians 1:6, Paul expresses confidence that God, who began a good work in believers, will continue that work until the day of Jesus Christ. This verse offers encouragement to anyone who recognises that spiritual growth is incomplete. God does not abandon His people simply because they have not yet reached maturity. He continues working through His Word and Spirit to shape our understanding, character and conduct. Our confidence, however, should rest in God’s faithfulness rather than in the assumption that we will automatically improve without responding to Him. We are called to trust His work and cooperate with His leading.
One reason we become discouraged is that we compare our present condition with the person we hope to become. We may still struggle with impatience, fear, pride, anger or inconsistency in prayer. When these weaknesses appear, we may conclude that we have made little progress. Yet growth can be gradual. A person who once reacted angrily may now pause to pray before responding. Someone who previously avoided responsibility may begin to admit mistakes and make amends. A believer who once depended entirely on personal understanding may learn to seek God’s wisdom. These changes may seem small, but they can indicate that the truth of God’s Word is taking deeper root in the heart.
At the same time, we must not use the idea of a process to excuse persistent disobedience. Spiritual growth is gradual, but it requires a genuine willingness to change. If the Holy Spirit convicts us of dishonesty, we must choose truth. If Scripture exposes unforgiveness, we must begin the difficult work of releasing resentment and seeking reconciliation where appropriate. If we recognise a destructive habit, we should take practical steps to turn away from it and seek wise support when necessary. We cannot claim to be growing while deliberately refusing to obey what God has made clear.
The process of growth also requires regular attention to our spiritual lives. Just as the body needs nourishment, the inner life must be strengthened through Scripture, prayer, worship, fellowship and practical obedience. Reading the Bible occasionally while expecting deep spiritual maturity is like eating irregularly while expecting the body to remain strong. We need consistent engagement with God’s truth. What we learn must influence how we speak, work, manage our resources, treat our families and relate to people who disagree with us. Spiritual maturity is not measured only by how much we know, but also by how faithfully we live out what we know.
We must also recognise that different people grow at different rates. Our backgrounds, responsibilities, struggles and opportunities are not identical. Comparing our progress with another person’s journey can produce either pride or unnecessary discouragement. Instead, we should examine our lives honestly before God. Are we becoming more obedient to Scripture? Are we quicker to repent when we are wrong? Are we growing in love, patience, humility and self-control? Are we becoming more willing to serve without seeking recognition? These questions help us focus on genuine transformation rather than outward appearances.
There will be seasons when progress seems slow. We may pray about a weakness repeatedly, face the same kind of temptation or feel that our faith is not as strong as we desire. Such moments call for perseverance, not despair. We should seek God’s help, identify practical steps that support change and remain accountable to trustworthy believers. When we fall, we must repent and rise again through God’s grace. Failure should not become our identity, but neither should we ignore it. We can learn from our mistakes and continue walking with Christ.
Beloved, do not despise the small beginnings of spiritual growth, and do not become satisfied with remaining unchanged. God is faithful, and His purpose is to make us more like Christ. Give attention to the next step of obedience rather than demanding that every area of your life be perfected overnight. Continue learning, praying, serving, repenting and trusting God. As you remain responsive to His Word and the Holy Spirit, your life can increasingly reflect the character of Jesus.
Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ through God’s grace and our continuing response of faith and obedience. Do not give up because you are still developing, and do not stop pursuing maturity because you have made progress. Trust the God who began His good work in you, and faithfully take the next step He has placed before you.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do not measure your spiritual life only by how far you still have to go; also consider how God is teaching you to live more faithfully today.
PRAYER POINTS
- Heavenly Father, I thank You for beginning Your good work in me through Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your patience, mercy and faithfulness as You continue shaping my life according to Your will.
- Merciful Father, forgive me for the times I have resisted correction, neglected spiritual discipline or used my weaknesses as an excuse to remain unchanged. Give me a repentant heart and a sincere desire to obey You.
- Lord Jesus, help me to grow steadily in spiritual maturity. Teach me to become more like You in my thoughts, words, decisions and relationships, and deliver me from discouragement when progress seems slow.
- Holy Spirit, strengthen my commitment to prayer and the study of God’s Word. Help me to understand Scripture, apply its truth and develop habits that sustain my spiritual growth.
- Father, expose every attitude and habit that hinders my growth. Give me the courage to confront my weaknesses, turn away from sin and take practical steps towards lasting change.
- Lord, deliver me from unhealthy comparison and spiritual complacency. Help me to appreciate the progress You are producing in my life while remaining humble, teachable and eager to grow.
- Faithful Father, I thank You because You will not abandon the good work You have begun in me. Help me to persevere in faith, walk in obedience and continue growing in the likeness of Christ, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
