Proverbs 4:18-19

18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
    which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know over what they stumble.

Contemplation:

A basic principle of spiritual growth is that of incrementalism.  Our growth or even conversely the erosion of growth happens over time.  Growing in God's grace happens in small steps.  The imprint of God's character on our lives precedes the work he calls us to do.  God must first make us like him before we do his work in the world.  God is not only interested in outcomes.  He wants to take us through a holy process wherein we are formed by Him.  

We sometimes pray to see the path ahead, but like the dawn, the distance appears but shapes and shadows on the horizon.  Our lives are a process of walking toward the light (1John 1:5).  Each step toward God's way of doing things brings us out of the shadows and makes His plan increasingly evident to us.  God has made it so that our character must grow alongside our competency.  When our hearts are not fully his, we are prone to use his blessing for the fulfillment our own self serving ends.  This is why the process must be one of surrender forged in relationship with God.  Only surrender, one decision at a time, brings about the clarity and precision we so desperately desire.  Only then can we see the path before us in the full light of day.

Question:

Are you experiencing the process of walking in ever increasing light?

Prayer:

God, forgive me for too often trying to live for you while maintaining the locus of control in my own hands.  Help me to give up the fear and insecurity that lead me to think I will be able to see the path that lies ahead apart from your light.  Make me aware of the little decisions today that lead me toward or away from the light.  Let me find your way when I seek it with all my heart in willing surrender to you.