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Confined and Expansion Needed
Joshua 19:47
"And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father."
Have you ever felt confined in your Christian walk and wanted to do more for God? That is how the children of Dan felt with the inheritance they received from God. Their families were growing, and they felt confined in the portion given to them. So instead of complaining about what they didn't have, they stepped out to conquer in their attempt to acquire more land for their families. In order for them to expand, they had to be willing to fight.
Growth is one of the most important elements in the Christian life. However, one of the mistakes that many people make is they focus on growth itself instead of the principles of growth, thus leading to compromise. Instead of focusing on growing, if you would just apply the principles of growth, then you would find that growth is the byproduct of those principles. Some of the principles of growth that you need to apply are found in the verse above.
First, don't complain about what you don't have. The children of Dan didn't complain about not having enough land, instead they did something about it. Too many Christians complain about not growing when they need to realize that their lack of growth is their fault.
Second, don't expect growth as a handout. We live in a handout society that expects something for nothing. There is nothing free in life. God is not just going to give you growth because you want it. Like the children of Dan, you must step out and start doing something to see your growth. Too many people sit in the church pews waiting for God to grow them when growth occurs through activity. Until you step out and start applying the principles of growth, then you will never see the growth you desire.
Third, you must fight to grow. You will notice that the children of Dan had to fight a battle to get their growth. Growth is not free, there is a price to be paid for it. You will have to battle yourself and the Devil in order to grow. In other words, you will need to have some fight in you if you want to grow. Passive Christians never grow. You must be willing to fight through trials, obstacles, criticisms and the desire to quit to acquire growth.
Last, growth takes patience. Don't immediately expect to get to your final desired destination of growth. It will take patience. Be patient with yourself as you grow, for growth is not an immediate process. Don't get down on yourself and beat yourself up because you are not where you would like to be. God is pleased with you if you are growing.
So, you feel confined and need an expansion in your Christian life? Then step out and start applying the principles of growth. It will take some fight to get there, but as long as you apply the principles of growth, then you will find the byproduct will be the expansion and growth you desired.