Growth - Movement

Growth
Movement
^{Sunday, June 7th, 2026
_{Apostle Mike Herzog}}

It's critical to recognize the importance and power of growth. The change from a simpler or smaller state to a more sophisticated or mature state is the definition of growth. Mankind is naturally inclined to the desire to grow. To see change occur in your life, you must try something you’ve never done before. Albert Einstein once said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Movement is a biological sign of life, and it is essential if you want to experience growth. The Apostle Paul, who once murdered Christians and persecuted the church, experienced a life-changing transformation upon meeting Jesus. Acts 14:19–22 addresses a time when Apostle Paul began boldly spreading the gospel. The crowd stoned him and thought he was dead, but he was not. He got up and preserved. There may be moments in your life when you will feel defeated and others will believe your life is over. You must get up, dust yourself off, and push forward. If you still have breath in your lungs, God is not done with you. It can be intimidating to go from where you are to where you want to be. Because the path may seem daunting, many people give up before they've even started. A powerful quote by Tom Brady that perfectly summarizes his legendary work ethic and approach to success is “To be successful at anything, you don’t have to be special; you just have to be what most people aren’t: consistent, determined, and willing to work for it – no shortcuts.” You can only take one step at a time. The most crucial aspect is determining the next best step. Growth is a purposeful movement toward your goal, and it begins with a word from God.

Israel was enduring a time of catastrophic events, political polarization, and spiritual coldness. After losing everything, the Israelites were exiled, spread across Babylon, and imprisoned. There is a place referred to in Ezekiel Chapter 37 as “The Valley of Dry Bones.” The Israelites viewed their circumstances as such, proclaiming in Ezekiel 37:11 “Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!” When you are in the thick of a bad situation, it can be tough to hold onto your faith. For God to move we require faith that He will do so. God instructed the prophet Ezekiel to prophesy to the hopeless situation, and when he spoke in faith, he witnessed a miracle.
Ezekiel 37:7-10
_{So, I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. Also, He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” So, I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.}
Many want to see change but refuse to step out in faith. Step out and speak directly to your struggle with faith and action.

Steps to Growth & Maturity
Hear the word.
Obey.
Move.
Practice.

We are reminded in James 1:2-4 that growth happens most in the struggle: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”