Today, I invite you to embark on a transformative journey that will help you navigate life’s challenges with grace and power. Let’s delve into the profound teachings from Matthew 14:22-33, where we explore the importance of learning and unlearning in our spiritual growth.

Embracing Learning and Unlearning
Imagine a journey where every step forward is guided by the lessons you learn and the old habits you unlearn. Unlearning is pivotal—it allows us to shed past identities and practices that no longer serve us, making room for new growth and opportunities. This transition is essential for anyone looking to embrace the fullness of their potential in Christ.

Unlearning isn’t just about forgetting old lessons; it’s about making space for new, more relevant teachings that propel us forward. This process is deeply tied to our spiritual progression. Each season prepares us for the next. God meets us where we are but doesn’t leave us there. Instead, He leads us through a series of progressions, helping us to learn and grow so we are ready for what lies ahead.

The Concept of Progression
At the heart of spiritual growth is the concept of progression rather than mere process. Each blessing, each challenge, and each season we go through is designed to prepare us for the next. When Jesus places us in a particular season, He intends for us to learn everything we need for the upcoming season. This learning is not only about gaining knowledge but also about developing the character and skills necessary for future responsibilities and opportunities.

The idea of progression emphasizes growth from one state of being to another. As we transition from who we were to who we need to be, we let go of our past identities and embrace new ones. This transformation is marked by changes in behavior, customs, culture, and practices. Just as a seed transforms into a plant and then into a tree, our spiritual journey involves continuous growth and evolution. Each stage brings new responsibilities and capacities, reflecting the dynamic nature of our faith journey.

Transformation Analogy: Seed to Tree
The transformation from a seed to a plant to a tree is a powerful analogy for spiritual growth. At each stage of growth, there is a change in identity and capacity. A seed, which is buried and unseen, undergoes significant change to become a plant, which then matures into a tree. This process signifies not only physical growth but also the development of new characteristics and responsibilities. A plant can no longer be called a seed, and a tree is far more than just a plant; it is a fully mature entity with the capacity to bear fruit and provide shelter.

This analogy underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the different stages of growth. Each stage comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. When we judge someone based on their past, we fail to acknowledge their growth and transformation. Similarly, when we see ourselves through the lens of our past, we limit our potential. The journey from seed to tree teaches us to honor the process of growth and to embrace the changes that come with it, allowing us to fully step into the roles and responsibilities that God has prepared for us.

Handling Judgment and Blame
Judgment and blame often reveal more about the person casting them than the one receiving them. When people judge others based on their past, it is an indication of their own maturity level. Those who blame and judge are often stuck in a seed mentality, unable to see the growth and transformation that has taken place. This perspective limits their ability to appreciate the current reality of those they are judging. When people blame or judge, they are projecting their own limitations and insecurities.

Understanding this helps us navigate judgment and blame with grace and empathy. Instead of being bogged down by others' perceptions, we can focus on our growth and the journey God has set before us. Recognizing that judgment often stems from a place of immaturity allows us to respond with patience and understanding. It also encourages us to continually reflect on our own growth and transformation, ensuring that we do not fall into the same trap of judging others based on their past.

The Power of Testimony
Testimonies play a crucial role in our spiritual journey. They are not just about recounting what God has done but about acknowledging who God is. Testimonies reveal God's character and help us to see beyond the immediate blessings to the nature of the One who provides them. This shift in focus from what God did to who God is allows us to engage more deeply with our faith, preparing us for new challenges and opportunities.

Immediate obedience is a form of testimony. It shows our readiness to trust and follow God's lead, opening the door for encounters with Him. When we act on our testimonies, we are putting on a cover-up of holiness and righteousness. This attire of righteousness not only protects us but also prepares us for the next steps in our journey. It signifies our trust in God and our readiness to move forward in faith, ensuring that we are always prepared for what comes next.

Understanding God's Ways
Understanding God’s ways involves recognizing the pressures and challenges He places in our lives. These pressures are not meant to isolate us but to help us grow. They bring us to a place of acknowledgment and repair, guiding us towards new growth. The story of Hannah, for instance, illustrates how pressure led her to the temple, where she dedicated her son to God, resulting in Samuel becoming a significant prophet and judge. Pressure, therefore, serves as a catalyst for transformation and new beginnings.

The ways of God are also about understanding His methods and timing. When we align ourselves with God's ways, we begin to see the bigger picture. We recognize that every challenge and pressure point is an opportunity for growth and transformation. By understanding and embracing God's ways, we prepare ourselves for the new assignments and responsibilities He has in store for us. This alignment with God's methods ensures that we are not just surviving but thriving, continuously growing in our faith and capabilities.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Assignment
Every assignment from God includes specific triggers and rewards. Assignments are not punishments but opportunities to experience new things, meet new people, and find new tools. They are given because God trusts us and wants us to grow. Understanding this helps us to embrace each assignment with enthusiasm and curiosity, knowing that it is a step towards greater growth and maturity.

The role of testimonies and understanding God's ways is crucial in our spiritual journey. They help us to align with God's plans and prepare us for the challenges ahead. By meditating on biblical stories and miracles, we ignite encounters with God and grow from a seed to a tree in faith and maturity (by-passing the plant phase). This growth process is continuous and dynamic, ensuring that we are always progressing and evolving in our spiritual journey.

Embrace this journey with open hearts and minds, and trust that God is leading you towards greater things. Together, let’s step into a life filled with God’s blessings, living from a place of abundance rather than lack.

This blog post is birthed out of the Nurturing Wisdom Group.

​Ravi Kandal