Growing in Capacity
Walking with Purpose Series — Discovering God’s purposes and learning to walk in step with Him
Written by Ken Grenfell with Chantelle Kate
As we continue in our Walking with Purpose series, we are reminded that the Christian life is not static. It is a life of movement with God.
At times, we are called to move forward, to step out and take hold of what God has set before us. At other times, the Lord asks us to wait, to trust Him in what we cannot yet see, and to remain steady in Him.
Both are part of our walk with God.
But in all of this, whether we are moving forward or waiting, God is at work in us. He is forming something within us, strengthening us, and preparing us for what He has purposed.
Part of that work is the enlarging of our capacity.
As we walk with Him, God grows us so that we are able to carry what He desires to entrust to us, both in our lives and in His Kingdom.
Life is a continual movement, always progressing. The Biblical law of all created life is growth and increase. Consequently, when we are saved, that new creation within us is destined to increase.
Just as a seed contains life and the power of growth within itself, and draws from the earth the nutrients it needs to achieve its full height and fruit, so there is within us the seed of eternal life — an impelling force by which that life continually increases and grows. It is not something we need to manufacture ourselves.
“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
When God gives, He does not intend for things to remain the same. Throughout the Word of God, we see that what God gives is meant to grow and increase. In the parable of the talents, the expectation was not to guard the talent, but to multiply it.
In order to keep what God gives us, and to continue growing in both maturity and effectiveness, we must be able to accommodate that growth by enlarging our capacity. This is true not only in our own lives, but also in a church, a family, a business, or anything God has entrusted to us.
Part of enlarging our capacity is being open to God developing and changing our lifestyle and character, conforming us to our destiny in Him. Just like the seed, God Himself will do what is needed, if we surrender to Him, work with Him, and do not look back.
Here are some keys to help us increase our capacity, so that we might fulfill our full potential in God, His purposes in us, and His destiny for us.
Invest Time
Invest unhurried time in prayer and regular time in His Word. Take time to be in communion with God, still in His presence, and to be with Him throughout the day as you turn your attention to Him and open your heart to Him.
Be patient, and continue to exercise faith. Growth does not happen all at once, but little by little as we walk with Him.
The divine inner growth by which the life of God perfects us in Christ is little by little, but it is sure. It is hidden but real, weak but endowed with heavenly power.
Stay Focused
We tend to lose focus easily. Jesus was never distracted, not even by important and good things. He saw desperate needs, yet remained focused on what He was destined to do.
Likewise, we should endeavor, in the midst of a world full of distraction, to keep our focus on Jesus, His Kingdom, and His life within us, reflecting the image of Christ.
Be Thankful
Remember God’s faithfulness to us in the past, especially when we are struggling: “My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember You…” (Psalm 42:6)
The people of God were continually told to remember, to reflect on His faithfulness, which gives hope and expectation for the future.
Gratitude rises within us as we consider His kindness, love, and faithfulness. It is a vision of future victory, a heart that sees the goodness of God, not one that is focused on past failures.
Stay Humble and Flexible
Change is constant. In all change and adjustment, we must remain humble and flexible, not for the sake of change itself, but for the sake of the Kingdom and others.
God’s people have always had to navigate change. How we respond makes all the difference.
Change brings both the good and the difficult, the familiar and the unknown. Yet as we remain humble and flexible in the midst of it, our capacity grows.
Remain Faithful
Be faithful to what we have been given.
Our Lord Jesus said that if we are faithful in the small things, more will be entrusted to us. Enlargement and increase come as we are faithful in prayer, in His Word, in gathering together, and in stewarding our time, our finances, and our responsibilities.
As we care diligently for what belongs to others, we position ourselves to be entrusted with more.
Enlarge Us, O God
In every area of our lives:
In our knowledge of You, in our dependence on the Holy Spirit
In our hearts, to receive those who are not like us
In our sphere of influence
Enlarge us in our vision
In our prayer life
In our anointing
In our ability to carry pressure and responsibility
In how we respond to opposition and obstacles
And in our discernment and wisdom
Enlarge us in our capacity for more of You.
This is the life that is being formed in us as we walk with Him.
And as He enlarges us, we begin to see that the life we are being called into is not something we strive to build, but something we yield to.
If this reflection spoke to you, subscribe and share it with someone who may need encouragement.
Next week is our final post in this series. Subscribe so you don’t miss it, and to be notified when we begin our next series on the Kingdom of God.
If you would like to support this work, you can do so here.
Donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for being part of what God is doing.