The Secrets of Spiritual Growth

Life itself is like a river. The "life-force" that God has breathed into creation, flows like a river. Think of how a river flows. It is not like a man-made, artificial canal or aqueduct that goes in a straight line. It meanders and changes direction. It responds to the rest of the topography. It flows AROUND large rocks so that it keep on flowing—yet over time also wears away those rocks, which changes the direction of the river again.

There are times it is still and calm, and other times there are waterfalls or rapids. It's not like a straight highway. You are never really sure of what is around the next bend until you get there.

Life is like that. We cannot know everything that life will bring our way. We can chart a course, but the river of life takes unexpected turns and goes through white water rapids at times. At other times our life is smooth sailing and all is calm. But it isn't just the circumstances of life that change (the scenery that we pass while sailing down the river)—it is also our faith, beliefs, and experience of God that will change over time (the currents in the water that are unseen by others), and that can rock our boat as well.

Life happens, and it isn't all planned. It takes unexpected turns, and not everyone understands that. Life is like a river. And it isn't just the outside scenery that changes, it's the direction and strength of the currents in the water as well—it's our beliefs and our experience of God. — writes Martin

Valeria interviews Martin Trench the author of Secrets of Spiritual Growth: Discovering where you are— and what comes next— on your journey of faith.

Originally from Scotland, Martin Trench and his family moved to Canada almost 12 years ago where Martin is the Lead Pastor of Gateway Alliance Church, an innovative and growing church in Edmonton, Alberta. Martin is an author, a popular inspirational speaker, a Bible teacher, and he consults with other churches and leaders, coaching them on spiritual health, church growth, and spiritual innovation. Martin is a Doctor of Theology, as well as holding Bachelors and Masters degrees in theology, philosophy, and metaphysics.

To learn more about Martin Trench please visit her website: https://martintrench.com/

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