Growing in the Right Direction examines the often-overlooked years of Jesus’ life and shows that spiritual formation is rarely dramatic, but always intentional. Drawing from Luke 2:39–52 and anchored in the wisdom of Proverbs 22:6, this message moves beyond parenting principles to address something deeper: how God Himself shapes, directs, and “parents” those who belong to Him.

The sermon confronts how easily we miss what God is doing right in front of us. Even Mary and Joseph struggled to recognize the direction God was forming in their Son. Their misunderstanding reminds us that growth does not always look like momentum, clarity, or speed. God’s work is often slow, quiet, and unfolding at a scale we are tempted to overlook.

Luke’s careful description of Jesus’ development reveals a pattern of ordered, God-honoring growth. Jesus did not merely age; He grew well. Strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, sustained by grace, increasing in understanding, maturity, and favor with both God and man. These details are not incidental. They show how God develops what He designs and how obedience, patience, and alignment shape a life over time.

This message challenges misplaced expectations that equate spiritual health with rapid results or visible success. It calls believers to rediscover their God-given “bent,” to evaluate the overall trajectory of their lives, and to realign daily habits with the direction God has been forming all along.

As the year ahead comes into view, Growing in the Right Direction offers a framework not for shallow resolutions, but for faithful alignment. It invites listeners to pursue strength before visibility, wisdom before speed, grace-fueled obedience over self-effort, and a life that steadily pleases God and earns trust with others. Growth, as Scripture shows, is not accidental. It is cultivated.

Devotional and Reflection Questions

1. Where do you feel pressure to grow faster than God seems to be working in your life?

2. How does seeing Jesus grow slowly and intentionally challenge your expectations of spiritual maturity?

3. What might you be overlooking in your life because it looks ordinary rather than impressive?

4. In what ways have misplaced expectations caused frustration with God’s timing or methods?

5. Luke highlights specific areas of Jesus’ growth. Which of those areas feels most neglected in your own life?

6. How does the idea of discovering your God given bent reshape the way you think about direction and calling?

7. Are there habits or patterns in your life that are shaping your direction without your awareness?

8. What would it look like to measure growth by faithfulness and alignment rather than visibility or success?