Do We Perceive? December 31, 2016

¹⁹ Behold, I am doing a new thing;
    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19 ESV 

Over the past 30 years in education, I have looked at untold numbers of test scores.  Benchmarks, unit tests, state assessment, and formal and informal assessments are just some of the many data sources I have examined.  While there are other measures of a student's progress or lack of, test results are one widely accepted data piece to determine student learning.

Since there are no written tests administered by God, no heavenly ACT or SAT, it can be difficult to measure spiritual growth.  It is important to have some idea of our personal spiritual growth for two very important reasons.

First evidence of growth is encouraging.  When a teacher shares academic growth with a student, it is often times a great motivator for that student to continue to work and strive to do even better.  The same can be said for all areas of our lives.  Weight loss can spur even more gym dedication.  Paying off that last credit card is often times an impetus for greater fiscal responsibility.  When we are aware of God moving in our lives, that realization can prompt more fervent prayer and deeper Bible study.

Second evident of lack of growth in a particular should renew our efforts to become a victor with God's help in that area.  Multiplication facts a problem?  Make some flash cards.  Still not shedding those pounds?  Join Weight Watchers.  Still the office gossip?  Memorize some name and claim verses.

Although there are no spiritual Scantron sheets, it is possible to measure spiritual growth.  Keeping a daily journal is one of the best ways to do this.  Each day reflect on how the day went and make some notes.  If there is a particular area of conviction, make sure to address that area in the journal each day.  

"Today, I a saved $5.00 when I skipped that Starbucks and $7.00 by taking my lunch to work.  Thank you, God."

"This afternoon I resisted the temptation to tell Doug about what I heard in the break room about Donna."

Record other spiritual victories but make sure to note a win in those areas of conviction.  Not only will this provide you with encouragement on those days when we falter, if we know there will be a daily reckoning on paper each day for those areas, it can help push through those times of temptation that occur throughout the day.

God is working in the lives of his children, but do we perceive it?  Are we aware of personal spiritual growth?  Making spiritual reflection a part of each day and recording those reflections is one powerful way to note God's hand in our lives.