Little by Little

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Cole turned over to avoid the sunlight streaming through the window and snuggled back down under the covers. Then he remembered he was at his grandparents’ farm for a visit. Quickly, he jumped out of bed, got dressed, and went to the kitchen where Grandma was fixing breakfast.

“Grandpa is doing chores,” said Grandma, “but I think there’s enough time for you to have your devotions before he comes in for breakfast. Your mom said she’s trying to help you get you into the habit of doing that each day. Did you bring your devotional book?”

“I forgot it,” Cole said. “Besides, I’ve already read most of the stories in it.”

“How about the Bible passages that go along with the stories?” Grandma asked. “That’s the most important part, you know. The stories are meant to help you understand the truth of God’s Word so you can grow as a Christian.”

Cole shrugged. “It doesn’t seem to make any difference if I read it or not.”

“Hmm,” murmured Grandma. “By the way, when Grandpa comes in for breakfast, do you want to eat too, Cole?”

“I sure do! I’m hungry!” Cole grinned, remembering the yummy meals his grandma made.

“Okay,” said Grandma. “Did you eat yesterday?”

“Sure,” replied Cole, surprised by the question.

“Well, if you had food yesterday, you must be bigger now than when you got here.” Grandma looked at him closely. “Stand up so I can see how tall you are now.”

“Bigger?” asked Cole. “What do you mean? Why would I be bigger?”

“If you ate yesterday, won’t you have grown some?” Grandma asked.

Cole was puzzled. “A tiny bit maybe, but you can’t see any difference from one day to the next. It takes time before you notice you’ve grown.”

Grandma nodded. “It’s that way with spiritual food too. As you spend time with Jesus, He uses the truth and promises of His Word to help you grow little by little. That’s the way He does it. Don’t stop having devotions because you don’t see immediate growth. Trust Jesus to help you know Him better and grow in your faith, little by little.”

Cole was quiet for a minute as he thought about that. Then he asked, “Hey, Grandma? Do you have a Bible I can borrow?”

-Esther M. Bailey

How About You?

Do you set aside time to talk with Jesus and read His Word, the Bible? Does it seem like nothing is happening as a result? Growth may be slow at times, but when you regularly spend time with Jesus and listen to the truth of His Word, you’re getting the spiritual nourishment you need to grow as a Christian. So faithfully spend time with Jesus. He’ll help you grow and will change you little by little, day by day.

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Peter 3:18 Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Spend time with Jesus each day