There’s a phrase that has stayed with me ever since I heard it: “I’m glowing because I’ve been growing.” That’s exactly the essence of the Christian walk—before we can truly go into the world, we must first grow in Christ.
When Jesus called His disciples, His first words were:
“Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
— Matthew 4:19
Notice the order—first the invitation to come. Then, by following Him, they grew in His presence—learning His heart, watching His ways, and being transformed by His teaching. Only later, after their season of growth, did He release them with the Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 28:19
There is a divine rhythm in the Kingdom: Come. Grow. Go. Skip the “grow,” and the “go” becomes empty and ineffective.
To understand this better, let’s look at a simple mnemonic: PEP—Perception, Expectations, Perseverance.
- Perception – How You See Shapes Who You Become
Paul reminds us:
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2
Growth begins in the mind. The way we see life will determine how we live it.
There’s a famous experiment called The Black Dot. A teacher handed her students a paper with a single black dot in the center. Every student described the dot—its size, its shape, its darkness. Not one mentioned the vast white space surrounding it.
That’s how many of us live—we magnify problems, disappointments, and hurts while ignoring the blessings God has poured around us.
Joseph in Genesis could have fixated on the betrayal by his brothers. Instead, with renewed perception, he declared:
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
— Genesis 50:20
When perception is surrendered to God, pain transforms into purpose, and obstacles become stepping stones for growth.
2. Expectations – Where Are You Looking?
David wrote:
“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.”
— Psalm 62:5 (KJV)
One of the biggest barriers to growth is misplaced expectation. Too often, we burden people—spouses, leaders, friends—with the responsibility of fulfilling our deepest needs. Inevitably, they fail, and disappointment follows.
But only God can satisfy the soul.
Think of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34). For twelve years she placed her expectation on doctors, remedies, and wealth—and she grew weaker. But the moment she shifted her expectation to Jesus—“If I just touch the hem of His garment, I will be healed”—she was instantly transformed.
Growth happens when our eyes lift from people and fix on Christ.
3. Perseverance – Growth Takes Time
James exhorts us:
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life.”
— James 1:12
Growth is not microwaved—it is cultivated.
Consider the bamboo plant. For the first five years, nothing appears above the soil. But beneath the surface, roots stretch deep and wide. Then suddenly, in a matter of weeks, bamboo can shoot up over 80 feet.
That’s perseverance—hidden growth before visible breakthrough.
Paul reminds us:
“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
— Romans 5:3–4
Whether in marriage, ministry, or personal faith, perseverance is what equips us for the places God is sending us.
First Grow, Then Go
We cannot skip the process. To go without growth is to risk burnout, disillusionment, or immaturity. But when we allow God to grow us in perception, expectation, and perseverance, we carry His light wherever He sends us—starting with our homes and neighbourhoods, and eventually to the nations.
Jesus first said, “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). Only after His disciples grew in Him did He command, “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).
The order still stands today: First grow. Then go.
| Consider This: Three To-Dos for Growth Renew Your Perception: Each day, pause and thank God for the “white space” around the black dots in your life. Choose gratitude over grumbling. Shift Your Expectations: Release people from carrying the weight of your needs. Lift your eyes and declare: “My expectation is from the Lord.” Embrace Perseverance: Don’t despise hidden seasons. Trust that unseen roots are preparing you for visible fruit. Keep walking faithfully. When we grow in these ways, we glow with Christ’s presence—equipped, not just to go, but to transform the places He sends us. |
