Don't Rush - Reflect and Grow!

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago." - Psalm 77:11

These ancient pillars have stood in Greece since Roman times. Looking at them and many other ruins this summer, I thought of how quickly life rushes by and how rarely we slow down and reflect on all that is happening.I’m the kind of person who likes to look back, to linger, to savor what I’ve experienced. I don’t want to rush straight into the next experience before I’ve digested some of the lessons and blessings of what has shaped both my life and me! Because life does shape us—its pressures and pleasures, its concerns and celebrations, its decisions and fresh desires.None of us enter the next year, or the next phase of our lives, the same person we were. God is at work in us and change, transformation, and renewal are all initiated by His Spirit. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13, NLT). I’m so thankful that our desire for God isn’t dependent on us alone, but that the Holy Spirit draws us over and over again! The psalmist knew the power of remembering who God is and reflecting on what He had done. Annie Armstrong writes, “So much for the past. It is gone, it is done, and it will remain what we have made of it… Rest content to leave results with our Father in heaven.” (Magnificent Prayer, Nick Harrison)As I look back on any experience or season of life, I find it helpful to ask myself some questions—not to pick at my faults—but rather, to learn what will help and lead me to a deeper, more mature walk with Jesus.Here are a few you might reflect on for your own growth as a follower of God:

• What did I learn about God’s character through my experiences?
• Where did I see God deliver me from a difficulty: physical, spiritual, emotional?
• What did I learn about myself that I was ignorant of?
• What distortions or discouraging lies did God reveal to me?
• What did I find in Scripture that motivated, inspired, and gave me hope?

Let's talk: As you REFLECT on these questions that help me, what other questions come to your mind? I’d love to hear what deeds of God you are remembering.

Tweetables:"None of us enter the next year, or the next phase of our lives, the same person we were. God is at work! http://wp.me/p2JdPr-Pf" - Click here to tweet this."Here are a few questions you might reflect on for your own growth as a follower of God: http://wp.me/p2JdPr-Pf via @Choose2Grow" - Click here to tweet this.Poppy SmithInternational speaker, multi-published author, Bible teacher, and spiritual coachInspiring Women to Thrive! Permission to use this article is granted provided the following credit is fully included.Poppy Smith is funny, warm, and passionate about helping women grow spiritually and personally so they experience the love and power of Christ in life’s ups and downs. A former teaching leader with Bible Study Fellowship, Poppy has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and ministers extensively as a retreat and conference speaker both in the US and around the world. For more information about Poppy’s heart, her books and ministry, please visit her website at www.poppysmith.com.