Practice is Progress

“Try to put well into practice what you already know; and in so doing, you will in good time, discover the hidden things you now inquire about. Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.”

Rembrandt

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Deut. 29:29

Have you ever had an “Aha!” moment and then wonder how you had never thought of that before? For example, I held out on getting a smart phone for a long time. When I finally got one, there was a slight learning curve, but I caught on relatively fast, except for one thing. I could never figure out how to put the phone on mute. My old phone required hitting a couple of buttons because it didn’t have a touch screen, but there was no corresponding button on the new phone. To make matters more complicated, the phone manual didn’t explain it either. One day I accidentally swiped down from the top and discovered the drop down menus with the sound options. Aha! Duh!

Mysteries of God

Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Col. 1:26

Before I accepted Christ as my savior, there was a lot I didn’t understand about the Bible and God. I had been reading it my whole life, but some of it was really a mystery to me. When you accept Christ as Lord of your life, the Holy Spirit comes to live within your soul. He teaches you and shows you the mysteries. But, like any good teacher He doesn’t do it all at once.

Growth is a Process

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Hebrews 5:14

Christians are spiritual babies who start off with milk, and then soft food and finally meat. As we grow and practice what we know, the Holy Spirit shows us more. We move into a deeper relationship with Christ as we continue to grow and learn. The more we practice what we know, the more the Holy Spirit shows us.

Practice is Progress

When you have an Aha! moment in your spiritual walk, and then think “Duh! I should have seen that already,” just remember that we are all learning as we go. We don’t know everything at once, and none of us is perfect. Instead our motto becomes practice is progress. Every step forward is a growing moment, and we need to give each other a little grace and patience. We are unique individuals and God has a unique plan for each of us.

While we are giving grace and patience to our fellows, we need to give some to ourselves. After all, God is the one who decides what to reveal when. In the meantime, just keep practicing until it is second nature and God will give you an Aha! Moment when you least expect it.