Steps to Spiritual Growth Start Small but Lead to Big Changes in Faith
Let me tell you something I’ve seen over and over – the big moments of faith we read about or talk about don’t usually start with big leaps. They begin with small, wobbly steps. Sometimes even shaky ones. Maybe you’ve wondered if your tiny acts of obedience matter. Can I tell you? They do. Every single small yes adds up to something beautiful in our journey with God. Those steps to spiritual growth aren’t about how impressive or dramatic they look. It’s about the heart behind each one.
What Do Small Steps to Spiritual Growth Look Like in Daily Life?
I remember times I thought I needed to overhaul my whole life to see growth. But that’s not how God works. Small steps to spiritual growth look like praying before you get out of bed, choosing forgiveness, opening your Bible for five minutes when your mind is tired, or sending a message to encourage a friend. Everyday, ordinary moments are the seedbed for real change.
Have you ever had a nudge, that gentle invitation to do something simple? Like reaching out to someone, saying yes to a volunteer spot, or sharing your faith? That’s the stuff God uses. He isn’t waiting for our perfection. He’s looking for willingness. Scripture puts it so simply. In Proverbs 3:5-6 (CSB), we read, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” You see? God doesn’t say ‘trust perfectly’ or ‘do something heroic.’ He just wants our heart and our small steps pointed toward Him.
Putting Faith into Practice One Step at a Time
Does this sound familiar? You feel like you should say yes to something, but fear or doubt creeps in. Friend, I’ve been there. In our recent podcast episode, Tara shared about obedience that started small. (Watching how God moved in her story reminded me of how many of us start out hesitant and unsure!) Even when the outcome is unclear, every little yes matters. Over time, those faithful steps build up to something incredible. God honors each one and grows our confidence in His faithfulness.
Why Small Yeses Matter in Our Journey of Faith
Here’s the thing. Sometimes we only celebrate the big, headline moments. The job change. The major healing. The obvious miracle. But honestly, the steps to spiritual growth are mostly hidden. They’re found in the mornings you pray anyway, in the times you choose hope over cynicism, in the apology you offer when it would be easier to withdraw. Those steps might not make anyone’s Instagram highlight reel. But they echo in eternity. The Lord sees and multiplies them.
I think of my own ordinary days. The times I chose to forgive, even when I didn’t want to. The nights I quietly worshipped when my heart was tired. Faith builds one decision at a time. We don’t have to make our obedience flashy. Just steady. Tara’s story reminded me, too, that even in weakness or seasons of struggle, God meets us. He doesn’t shame us for hesitating. He just asks for that next step. Sometimes that’s as simple as admitting our fear to Him. He uses that honesty.
How God Grows Us through Imperfect Obedience
Let me be real with you. The steps to spiritual growth are shaped in messy places. Tara talked about her struggles with anxiety and recovery after a car accident. Life-altering moments, yes, but what opened doors was not a perfect spiritual performance. It was her willingness to say yes, even with fear in the mix. That’s what God continues to use. He isn’t after giants of faith. He moves through willing hearts – the kind that keep saying, “Here I am, Lord. Use me, even if I feel small.”
How to Keep Saying Yes When It Gets Hard
Let’s be honest. Some days the steps to spiritual growth feel like baby steps. Other days, they feel too costly. That’s why we need prayer, Scripture, and a good community to remind us we’re not alone. In the podcast, we talked about spiritual opposition (the real stuff!) and the way community lifted Tara up. You need people. We all do. Surround yourself with faith-filled friends who will pray with you, speak truth, and gently nudge you forward when you want to retreat.
And when you mess up or second-guess yourself? You keep moving anyway. That’s part of spiritual growth. One ‘yes’ after another. Little by little. Eventually you look back and realize those shaky steps led you to a place you never would have expected. God’s faithfulness shows up every time. He meets us in our growing, not just when we’ve “arrived.”
Reminders for the Stuck and Uncertain
- God is never far from you, even if your steps feel small.
- Ask Him for help in your fear or worries. He delights in your honesty.
- Your obedience doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to be sincere.
- Every yes counts. God sees and uses each one for His purpose.
- Community matters. Let others pray and walk alongside you.
What Happens When You Take Steps to Spiritual Growth?
I can remember plenty of times I thought my little yes wouldn’t make a difference. But you know what? Over time, those small choices added up. My faith didn’t always grow all at once. It grew by saying yes to the thing in front of me. Opening my Bible before school. Serving in a ministry I felt unqualified for. Praying for my kids in the car, even when I wasn’t sure what to say. Each step led to the next. That’s usually how it works.
When Tara shared her story about speaking at a women’s event with unfinished notes and trusting God to fill in the blanks, that hit home. I’ve felt that too. Faith always needs a gap that only God can fill. The steps to spiritual growth will take us beyond our comfort zone. You don’t need to have it all written out before you step up. Just take the next right step and watch God meet you there.
What Can You Do This Week?
- Ask God to show you one thing to say yes to today.
- Reach out to someone in your community. Pray for them or encourage them.
- Spend a few minutes in Scripture. You don’t need an hour – just start.
- Write down a fear or worry and talk to God about it.
- Invite God into your ordinary routines. He loves to show up there.
Let God Take Your Yes and Multiply It
You never have to be enough on your own. You just need to be willing. That’s the heart of every step to spiritual growth. God uses all of it – the small, the shaky, and the unfinished. We grow in faith as we keep showing up. Don’t underestimate the impact of your obedience, however small it feels. Over time, those small steps grow roots and fruit in your life and in those around you.
If you want to hear more about how everyday faith unfolds, listen to our latest podcast episode, "Trusting God in the Unknown: How Obedience and Faith Open Doors You Didn’t Expect." I think you’ll find encouragement for whatever step you’re about to take next. Let’s keep saying yes – one step at a time. God’s right there cheering you on.
