Be Patient!

If you�ve had the joy of leading someone to faith in Jesus Christ, you know it�s one of the most thrilling experiences on earth! Knowing that another soul has entered into the Kingdom of God gives you an excitement that is beyond words! And you can begin encouraging this new believer in their faith. Now, as you begin the discipleship process, it�s so important to practice patience. Often we want to see someone�s bad habits changed overnight. We get discouraged when a new believer isn�t as spiritually mature as we think they should be. But even though it�s important to encourage a new child of God to grow, it�s also important to practice patience. The reality is that it takes each of us time to mature in the Lord. I accepted the Lord as my Savior as a 12 year old boy. And even though it was a very real commitment, I didn�t really begin living the Christian life in its fullness until I was 17. You see, it�s God�s Holy Spirit that brings the growth, not you or me. In First Corinthians 3:6 Paul says, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” So yes, keep encouraging and praying for your friend. But also, let them learn, and grow, in God�s perfect timing.