How have you grown?

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Grace-Like-Rain

Grace-Like-Rain

Senior Member
Sep 6, 2013
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How are you different now than you were five years ago?
How have you grown?
What important things do you know now that you didn't know then?
What flaws in your character have you improved or mastered control of?
 
The magnitude of the cleanup job God has after I was saved has become clearer to me. The words "saved from my sins" seemed so simplistic, even trite at first. But I've learned salvation is so much more than crossing some line that positions me amongst "the saved". Being saved is an entire detox, refurbish job. It's like cleaning out the home of a hoarder. So my realization of that has changed in the last five years. I'm a wretched man who needs to be saved from this body of death.
 
I would have to say in the area of accountability. Making a better effort to be accountable for those around me.
 
How are you different now than you were five years ago?
Well,the obvious one is I am divorced,as well as other various major life things,but you are asking as a person I assume,so...
How have you grown?
I guess I have grown in my patience & tollerance of things,of others,and in learning more how to see the positive things even when everything around me looks hopeless. It's hard,but I've certainly grown a lot in this in the last 5 years more than any other time in my life. (at least if feels that way)
What important things do you know now that you didn't know then?
I know that no matter how hard things are that God is with me,even if I feel like He is or not. I know that He is faithful to give you the desires of your heart,and sometimes seemingly out of nowhere...you open your eyes and you realize some truths about yourself & others...and life. It's like a revelation,but almost a comforting confirmation of things you've had in you heart already. I've learned more about what I want in my life & what matters most..and things that aren't as important,just letting go of completely.
What flaws in your character have you improved or mastered control of?[/QUOTE]
I think I have improved on my level of trust. Improved on seeking the interest of others before myself,and maybe just improved a bit on loving others more unconditionaly.
I feel sort of strange answering this because I am so very flawed & such a work in progress...sometimes I don't even see where I've really improved. I guess I just hope & believe by faith that I am growing in those areas stronger each day. I just really want to be a man that is trying to show God's love in some way,shape or form. I'm not a role model,but I'm trying to be better via God.
 
How are you different now than you were five years ago?

I am not as social or have the desire to get out and do and be with people. I tend to want to stay home and am comfortable with that. I do miss the socialization to a point but to get out and interact and put myself out "there?" No. My sewing blog and typing on here is good.

How have you grown?

I haven't. You asked, I am being honest. I went through a valley the past five years that I've NEVER faced EVER in my entire life since becoming a christian and it changed me. I slipped. I stumbled. I lost. On the other hand, I learned some solid truths that NO MAN can take from me. Ever.

What important things do you know now that you didn't know then?

I'm loved by God. Unconditionally. 24/7/365.

I'm His and it don't matter what another says, I'm His. He's got me and is well able to keep me.

I'm forgiven because of the blood that flowed from His side at Calvary.

What flaws in your character have you improved or mastered control of?

Well, can I say I saw a few things bubble to the surface and didn't like it and am letting God help me with it.

Grace-Like-Rain, I was happy and hopeful and looking toward a great future, expecting great things from God. I had healed from the loss of a spouse (2001) and after seven years opened my heart to love again (2008). Only that love was a wolf in sheep's clothing. He converted or so he said, came to the United States, only to reveal that he hadn't let go of his muslin ways or thoughts or mindsets. He confessed that he used the marriage to gain entrance into the U.S. and to obtain citizenship. He was a habitual liar and smoked. He would not pray or study the Word of God in our home. I was not treated as an equal nor was I loved or respected as shared in the Word of God. My world crashed. I went from something so beautiful (my husband that died) to something from the pit of h.... I cannot articulate and really don't want to on the board what all I went through. Was legally released from that relationship December 2012. I am rebuilding...both spiritually and emotionally.

I have, since coming on this site, witnessed of the goodness of God and will continue to. I have shared about my faith in God and will continue to. My faith in mankind got shaken. I got exploited financially (talking 1,000's of $ here, folks), emotionally and yes, physically. Learned some hard and very tough lessons in this relationship. But at the same time, I have also become grounded and rooted in what I believe in God and for that, I am thankful. Bible tells us to seek out our own salvation with fear and trembling and I have and am.

I'm not quite up on the mountaintop yet, but I can see the peak and looking down the valley seems very tiny. I have worked through my anger towards this man and I can look you in the face and say in my heart I've forgiven him but I don't want him back in my life. Nor will I ever consider someone else outside my own country again. Outside my state, yes. My own country, no.
 
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Grace-Like-Rain said:
How are you different now than you were five years ago?
How have you grown?
What important things do you know now that you didn't know then?
What flaws in your character have you improved or mastered control of?
Click to expand...

I've realized some people can't be convinced of something, even when it's blatantly reality to everyone else. I've stopped getting my ego involved in that. Now I'm simply matter of fact and I'm not attached to any expectations. It gives me a lot more peace.
 
iTOREtheSKY said:
How are you different now than you were five years ago?
Well,the obvious one is I am divorced,as well as other various major life things,but you are asking as a person I assume,so...
How have you grown?
I guess I have grown in my patience & tollerance of things,of others,and in learning more how to see the positive things even when everything around me looks hopeless. It's hard,but I've certainly grown a lot in this in the last 5 years more than any other time in my life. (at least if feels that way)
What important things do you know now that you didn't know then?
I know that no matter how hard things are that God is with me,even if I feel like He is or not. I know that He is faithful to give you the desires of your heart,and sometimes seemingly out of nowhere...you open your eyes and you realize some truths about yourself & others...and life. It's like a revelation,but almost a comforting confirmation of things you've had in you heart already. I've learned more about what I want in my life & what matters most..and things that aren't as important,just letting go of completely.
What flaws in your character have you improved or mastered control of?
Click to expand...
I think I have improved on my level of trust. Improved on seeking the interest of others before myself,and maybe just improved a bit on loving others more unconditionaly.
I feel sort of strange answering this because I am so very flawed & such a work in progress...sometimes I don't even see where I've really improved. I guess I just hope & believe by faith that I am growing in those areas stronger each day. I just really want to be a man that is trying to show God's love in some way,shape or form. I'm not a role model,but I'm trying to be better via God. [/QUOTE]

In red -

Amen.

Like how you stated it. :) Feel the same way. :)

In green -

Yup, and can I say some lessons hurt and take awhile. Some lessons I've sat in the classroom alone waiting to be dismissed after failing the test. :) And some truths, once taught...I got it don't need to take a refresher course. :)
 
1still_waters said:
The magnitude of the cleanup job God has after I was saved has become clearer to me. The words "saved from my sins" seemed so simplistic, even trite at first. But I've learned salvation is so much more than crossing some line that positions me amongst "the saved". Being saved is an entire detox, refurbish job. It's like cleaning out the home of a hoarder. So my realization of that has changed in the last five years. I'm a wretched man who needs to be saved from this body of death.
Click to expand...

Ain't that the truth, bro!?!
 
How are you different now than you were five years ago? I have less money now.....
How have you grown? Nope not since i was 12.. I am still 5'11"
What important things do you know now that you didn't know then? nothing
What flaws in your character have you improved or mastered control of? none.
 
How are you different now than you were five years ago? How have you grown?

More outgoing, wiser, more independent (financially and otherwise), less trusting, and not as easily manipulated on a personal level

What important things do you know now that you didn't know then?

That my son and I are both going to be okay now. That God has both of us in the palm of His hand, guiding, protecting and providing. I can't begin to tell you the things He has protected me from, and I'm sure even I don't know the half of it. I've learned how stupid it is to hang onto things, trying to fix them myself when I should give them to God.

I've also learned that I have a lot to learn. :)

What flaws in your character have you improved or mastered control of?

I was once a people pleaser. I ran myself ragged and was very upset if I thought someone was upset with me. I've learned that you simply CANNOT please everyone and that some people don't really want you to. So I live my life making the wisest choices I can, hurting as few as possible, and praying that God will heal whatever I cannot help.

I'm less OCD than I was. The workaholism is far better as well.

I pick my battles more wisely. I don't suffer fools and I don't do petty.
 
I've been through a lot in the last 5 yrs. I left my old job and career at the end of '08 in order to go to school full time and earn a 2 yr degree which I finished in only 18 months. It was also the year that my dad was in and out of hospitals and it was hell on our family. I still can't believe I made it through that tough time (my dad is ok now too). It was like '09 was the start of a completely different life for me. About 6 months after finishing school I tore ligaments in both my knees and was barely able to walk for many months (I should have seen a doctor) and I remained unemployed until last summer.

Today its like I'm living a totally different life. I am starting to get the hang of my new job and my knees are good as new. Its also great to have an income again. :) Thank you, God!
 
Hmm, it started well enough, but I suffered (as has everyone,, and not nearly as bad as many) for significant income cuts, that affected both living standards and what plans I had at the time, mostly it's just been financially attempting to hold my head above the water since then. I also learned just how fallible I am without holding onto God and ended up in some wrong situations that luckily I ended before they got to serious. On the positive side, I have began to get glimpses of just how deep the love of God for each of us is, and just how true and absolute His faithfulness is, and how everything really is dependant on Him and not me, and that it is in my weakness that His power is made perfect, so I think it has been a good five years :D . I have also really grown in my understanding in the Scriptures and hope to continue in this vein :) .
 
Grace-Like-Rain said:
How are you different now than you were five years ago?
How have you grown?

I understand God more, I understand the depths of his love a lot better then I did before I had kids, my youngest born 7 years ago.
I understand now when people say God's timing, I never really understood that, but now when things come to flower, like meeting relatives in Sweden who didn't know I existed, until recently, I do understand that the timing has to be right. I'm looking for another relative that was put up for adoption here in America, I'm waiting for God's timing with that too.


What important things do you know now that you didn't know then?

Fancy material things aren't important, necessities, are good. God, family, that's important.

What flaws in your character have you improved or mastered control of?
Click to expand...

Still working on things, I'm more tolerant of others. I have control over my anxiety now.
 
Some of my answers above are in blue in the quote area. I have no idea what I did, sorry.
 
My relationship with God has strengthened. I've been asking Him for wisdom and prudence and as a generous God, He gave it to me through my relationship with Him. My patience got a little bit better - still working on it - gained more love to others through His love to me. I'm still working on blindly trusting God to an extent I would go out of my comfort zone and walk on water......I learned to be graceful and humble......I realize more and more every day how much God loves me when I don't deserve that much love from Him!.....

I'm still a work in progress n' I will always be! :)
 
How are you different now than you were five years ago?

I feel more independent and strong now than 5 years ago.

How have you grown?

My faith has definitely grown. God is watching out for me, and he proved it in a magnificent way that I can't deny and can never doubt.

What important things do you know now that you didn't know then?

I know the importance of placing God ahead of everything. Not to hold onto things or people with such a tight hold that I feel I can't live without them. Life goes on.

What flaws in your character have you improved or mastered control of?

I think the biggest thing I've learned is not to sweat the small stuff. I've really learned what's important and what's not worth getting stressed about. My life before was stressful. (Because I made it that way.) I feel much more grounded now.
 
God's worked on me greatly through my life, growing me more and more in Him and I didn't even know what the 'Holy Spirit' was, or, 'Who,' rather, until the year 2000. God's shown me Himself since then, in many ways, not that I didn't see Him before then, but, with re-committing my life to Christ in 1997 and baptized with water and HS in 2000 and just knowing that I am a sinner saved by His grace given me on the cross and, through faith, that knowledge of His Spirit leading mine has made all the difference in my life in getting to know Him more, trust in Him more, every day, in my life, not perfectly, albeit, but, trying my best to acknowledge Him, lean on Him where I go and that is perfect to God , who knows we are not perfect, but asks us to strive to 'be ye perfect as I am perfect.' :)

The Lord leads: "...you follow Me." John 21:22
 
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I would have to say that God has revealed more understanding through His word to me. God gives wisdom freely to all who ask and he has definitely poured into my spirit through sermons, bible studies, and through my own quiet time with Him. He also has taught me to never be timid in sharing His truth with others. I remember I used to just tell people that Jesus is God and that if you don't believe in Him, you'll go to hell, though that is a true statement, but that isn't the entirety of the Gospel. First the problem with us, is our sin nature and Christ is the only one whom bore our sins on Calvary and because of Him, we are accounted righteous by His blood. I really believe that as Christians, it is our responsibility to share the Gospel, it should be the greatest news on earth, and we should be so excited about it , that we don't neglect to share it with every person we come into contact with; but I know I have fallen short in this area because of fear of men but God is surely greater than what man can do to us. Knowing that He is with us all the time and not just knowing that but being aware of His presence daily. I've had opportunities to share at work and boy have I seen some very unhappy people. But like it says in Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose." With that said, God is our purpose and I/we are here to glorify Him. God is So Amazing and I cannot wait for His return!
 
Grace-Like-Rain said:
How are you different now than you were five years ago?
How have you grown?
What important things do you know now that you didn't know then?
What flaws in your character have you improved or mastered control of?
Click to expand...


How are you different now than you were five years ago?
How have you grown?

I was really saved about 8 years ago - good initial growth, but around and around the same stuff for years. Anger was something that really had changed in me, I would say 5 years ago - that was the biggest change

The past year has been probably the most growth I have seen in my life since I have been Christian. I know now, that God is a good Father, and He has really shown me that love in ways that have healed my heart. I am finally rooting out a negative, stinking thinking attitude that ruled my life for many years. Joy has increased, to get me away from roller-coaster Christianity, the unrighteous rule that a desire to have a woman, is gone - contentment has replaced it. Letting the Peace of Christ rule in my heart more and more


What important things do you know now that you didn't know then?
God is a Good Father
 
How are you different now than you were five years ago?

I did the math, 5 years ago was 2009.
Then, I prepared for joining a team for a short-term mission across the globe.
Today, in 2014, I share a single-room apartment with a friend who has helped me at a local congregation.
Philemon 1:20 comes to mind, when thinking about what this friend means to me. H

How have you grown/areas of improvement?
Having a roommate so close in every area of my life has forced self-reflection and, therefore, pushed me out of my comfort zone in many situations.
He has shown me my flaws by asking questions, faces, and Bible-supported statements.
He has accepted me, goofy and sincere. In response to God's love in my life via a great roomie, I am learning to hone my strengths and potential.

What important things do you know now that you didn't know then?
I can cook. Due to people always offering food and my ability to live off cereal and snacks, I never really cooked until this past year.
This is huge to me, because it reminds me, ''What else can I do? What other abilities do I possess and have yet to utilize?''

5 years flew bye.
Some days were slow, others happened in a blink.
What is crazier, all of the those days are gone.
James 4:13-15 is accurate in description.
Someone said, ''Even if God never blesses us again, we shall spend eternity thanking him for how He's already blessed us.'' This thread reminds me to be grateful to God... for every day, everyday.
 
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