Making Progress Step by Step

"The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” - Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

We are all on a journey. Every significant journey begins with a single step. This truth, as simple as it might sound, is a picture of wisdom, especially when we consider our personal growth and spiritual journey. Have you ever found yourself dreaming of achieving great things, only to be overwhelmed by how big the assignment is? I have. I have a huge dream of reaching every woman in my community. All 15,000 of them. It was during a time of prayer and reflection that I realized progress isn't about the leaps and bounds but the small, consistent steps we take each day.

Today, I want to share with you how making progress, step by step, can lead to significant growth and fulfillment in our lives, especially as women of faith striving for balance, self-care, and personal development in Christ-centered lives.

Proverbs 4:18 says, "The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." This verse beautifully illustrates how our spiritual journey is a gradual progression toward greater understanding and closeness with God. Just as the sun doesn't rush to noon but brightens the sky little by little, our growth too is a step-by-step process.

Reflecting on this, we understand that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. It's about becoming a little more like Jesus every day.

 Here are some things I want to encourage you to do:

1) Embracing Small Beginnings
One of the most empowering things we can do for ourselves is to celebrate the small victories. Did you choose patience in a moment of frustration recently? That's progress. Did you find time for Scripture when you thought your day was too busy? That's growth.

2) Show Faith in Action
Our faith grows stronger with every step we dare to take in trust. Faith isn't just about the leaps; it's in the everyday decisions to choose God’s way over ours. It’s in the moments we decide to trust God’s plan, even when the next step is all we can see.

3) Choose Consistency Over Intensity
Consistency is key. It’s better to pray for a few minutes every day than to attempt an hour once a month and get discouraged. Apply this principle to all areas of your life: work, relationships, self-care, and especially your spiritual growth journey.

In my experience with all of these things, I have also had to remember that every step backward is an opportunity to learn. Failures are not opposites of success but part of the journey towards it. When we stumble, it’s a chance to reassess our path, learn, and take that next step forward with more wisdom. 

How can you apply this in your life: 

1. Set a Small Daily Goal: Choose one small goal to achieve each day this week. It could be as simple as reading a Bible verse each morning or taking a five-minute walk to reflect and pray.
2. Journal Your Progress: At the end of each day, jot down your thoughts on the day’s progress. Celebrate the small victories and reflect on how you can continue moving forward.
3. Consider: What small step can you take today towards a goal you’ve been putting off? How can you incorporate a small spiritual discipline into your daily routine to grow closer to God?

Dear God, thank you for guiding us to see the beauty in the small steps, to celebrate the progress we make each day, and to trust in Your timing and plan. Help us to remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step towards You. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

I invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and the small steps you’re planning to take inside of our community. Let’s encourage one another as we make progress, step by step, in our journeys. Thanks for hanging out with me today! If you haven't joined our community, I'd love to connect further. Consider joining The Live Love Lead Community. We are a group of purpose-driven women living Christ-centered lives. 

I love you with the love of Christ! ~ April Nicole Scipio 💛