Growth is a word we use often, almost instinctively. We speak of our growth in terms of promotion, productivity, influence, income, or milestones we achieve. We measure growth by numbers - years of experience, titles we earn, goals we complete, platforms we build. In many ways, these are tangible, visible markers that tell a story of our progress throughout our lives but spiritual growth tells a very different story.
It's quieter, slower, often invisible and sometimes, it feels like the opposite of growth altogether.
Spiritual growth is rarely measured by how much we gain. Instead, it is often revealed by what we learn to trust God with, what we release, and how we remain anchored when certainty disappears. It is not about moving upward, but about growing deeper - roots stretching into unseen places where faith must hold without proof.
How We Commonly Measure Growth
In most areas of life, growth is outcome-driven. We ask questions like:
- Am I more successful than I was last year?
- Am I more confident, skilled, or accomplished?
- Have I reached the goals I set for myself?
- Do I feel fulfilled, productive, or validated?
We measure growth in careers by promotions, pay increases, and recognition. In education, we measure it by grades and qualifications. In personal development, we measure it by habits we form or boundaries we set. Even in relationships, we sometimes measure growth by longevity, stability, and milestones.
None of these measures are inherently wrong - scripture affirms diligence, stewardship, and wisdom and we’re offered guidance on this in Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” and in Colossians 3:23, we’re reminded “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”.
The Paradox of Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is often most evident when circumstances don’t improve. Faith is not tested in comfort but instead, it’s revealed in pressure and refined not in certainty, but in surrender.
"Consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2–3, NIV)
Growth in faith doesn’t mean the absence of doubt or fear. It means choosing trust despite them. It doesn’t mean clarity - it means obedience in the unknown.
Jesus Himself modelled this kind of growth through surrender. In Gethsemane, He prayed:
"Not my will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42)
This moment wasn’t marked by victory or resolution, but by trust in the Father's will and that trust, rooted in relationship, was the truest measure of spiritual maturity.
Measuring Growth Through Relationship, Not Results
Spiritual growth is best measured not by what changes around us, but by what is being formed within us.
The Bible doesn’t define maturity by outward success, but by inward transformation:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23)
Fruit grows slowly, there’s a process to it, and it cannot be forced. Fruit develops through consistent connection to the source.
Jesus made this clear when He said:
"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine." (John 15:4) and so, we can confidently trust in this - that spiritual growth is not about striving harder; it is about abiding deeper.
We grow not by doing more for God, but by staying close to Him - especially when life feels uncertain.
Faith in the Midst of Chaos and Adversity
One of the clearest indicators of spiritual growth is how we respond when life becomes unpredictable.
Chaos exposes what we trust and adversity reveals where our faith truly rests.
The apostle Paul writes: “We live by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Living by faith means continuing to trust God when outcomes are unclear, prayers feel unanswered, and plans unravel. It means holding onto God's character when His ways are hidden.
Biblical faith has always been forged in uncertainty:
- Abraham trusted God without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).
- Moses followed God into the wilderness with no clear roadmap (Exodus 13:17–18).
- David learned to rely on God while running from Saul, long before he wore the crown (1 Samuel 24).
- The disciples followed Jesus without understanding the full picture (John 16:12).
None of these moments looked like progress. Yet each one shaped a deeper, more resilient faith.
Growth Often Looks Like Letting Go
One of the most difficult aspects of spiritual growth is surrender. We tend to associate growth with accumulation - more knowledge, more clarity, more control. But Jesus often invites us to grow by releasing what we cling to:
"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
Spiritual maturity involves loosening our grip on self-reliance, expectations, timelines, and outcomes. It is learning to say, "God, I trust You - even if this doesn't unfold the way I hoped."
This kind of faith is costly. It stretches us beyond what feels safe. But it is also where intimacy with God deepens.
How Do We Measure Spiritual Growth?
Instead of asking, "Am I doing enough?", spiritual growth invites different questions:
- Do I turn to God first, or last?
- Am I quicker to pray or to panic?
- Do I trust God's character even when His plans confuse me?
- Am I more aware of my dependence on Him?
- Is my faith shaping how I love, forgive, and respond to others?
Psalm 139: 23-24 reminds us to pray:
"Search me, God, and know my heart... See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Growth is not perfection, it’s posture.
Practical Takeaways: Strengthening Faith Daily
Spiritual growth does not happen accidentally. It is cultivated through intentional practices that anchor us to Christ.
Here are practical ways to strengthen faith, especially in seasons of uncertainty:
- Practice Daily Abiding
Make space for God that isn’t transactional. Prayer and Scripture are not tasks to complete, but places to dwell.
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
Even a few minutes of stillness can reorient our hearts.
- Engage in Scripture Honestly
Read the Bible not just for answers, but for formation. Allow Scripture to shape how you think about God, suffering, and trust.
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Light doesn’t reveal the entire journey, only the next steps.
- Pray with Vulnerability
God doesn’t require polished prayers, fancy words or lengthy discussion. He invites honesty.
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Faith grows when we bring our doubts, fears, and questions into God's presence rather than hiding them.
- Remember God's Faithfulness
In seasons of doubt, what we remember about God’s faithfulness, helps sustain and strengthen our faith.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
Keep track of how God has carried you before. Testimony also strengthens trust.
- Stay Rooted in Community
Faith is not meant to be lived in isolation.
"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
(Hebrews 10:24–25)
Community reminds us of truth when our own faith feels fragile.
Growth as a Lifelong Journey
Spiritual growth is not linear, and it’s not measurable by comparison. It unfolds across a lifetime, shaped by seasons of joy and suffering alike.
Paul reminds us:
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." (Philippians 1:6)
God isn’t in a hurry. He is faithful, patient, and committed to our transformation.
Growth may look like trusting God when prayers remain unanswered. It may look like continuing to obey when clarity hasn’t arrived. It may look like choosing hope in the midst of grief.
But this, too, is growth.
Final Reflection
True spiritual growth isn’t about how strong we appear, but about how deeply rooted we become.
It is measured by our willingness to trust Jesus in the unknown, to remain faithful in adversity, and to believe that God is at work - even when we cannot see it.
Faith grows not when life is easy, but when we choose to remain connected to Christ in the midst of chaos.
"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." (Psalm 125:1)
And this simple faith-fuelled growth, is a growth that no circumstance can take away.
Closing prayer:
Lord,
We come to You just as we are - not with everything worked out, not with all the answers, but with open hearts.
You see the places where our faith feels strong, and You see the places where it feels fragile. You know the questions we're holding, the prayers we've whispered more than once, and the uncertainty we're learning to live with. And still, You invite us to draw close.
Teach us what it means to trust You in the waiting, to believe You are at work even when we can't see the evidence and to remain rooted in You when life feels unsteady and unclear.
Help us to measure growth not by what we achieve, but by how deeply we stay connected to You. Shape our hearts to look more like Yours. Grow in us patience, peace, courage, and a faith that holds steady - even in the unknown.
When fear rises, remind us who You are, when doubt creeps in, draw us back to Your truth and when the path ahead feels uncertain, help us take the next step with You - one day at a time.
We trust You with the process, we trust You with the outcome and we thank You that You are faithful to finish the work You've begun in us.
Amen.