By Stages
From the Negev, they continued traveling by stages toward Bethel, and they pitched their tents between Bethel and Ai, where they had camped before.
Genesis 13:3 (NLT)
The Christian life, as well as ministry and personal projects, is not completed all at once, but by stages. Just as Abraham advanced step by step toward Bethel, we also go through seasons, stages, and processes that prepare us for the next level. Each stage has its own purpose, lesson, and grace.
- Stages are part of God’s design
Not everything is achieved immediately. Just as in a long journey stops are made to refuel, in life we need pauses to be strengthened and continue moving forward. God’s great dreams are fulfilled step by step. - Each stage has different functions
In every season of life we fulfill distinct roles. As parents, raising small children is not the same as walking with adult children. In ministry, beginning as a pastor is not the same as later functioning apostolically or prophetically. Each stage demands something unique from us. - Stages require preparation and sowing
In the first stages, the ground is plowed, cleared, and fertilized with prayer and intercession. Later, in more fertile stages, we enjoy fruit with less physical effort and more spiritual work, such as fatherhood, counseling, teaching, and mentoring. - Each stage involves different people and places
God places new relationships, leaders, teams, and resources beside us in every season. What was not present at the beginning (buildings, buses, leaders, children, covering ministries) appears in the next stage as fruit of the previous effort. - Each stage is an altar of worship
Abraham returned to Bethel, to the place where he had built an altar, and there he worshiped the Lord. In the same way, every stage of our lives should be a place where we worship God and acknowledge His faithfulness.
The key is to understand that God’s dreams and promises are not fulfilled immediately, but through processes. Each stage brings us closer to Bethel, the house of God, and teaches us to depend on Him at every step.
From the Negev, they continued traveling by stages toward Bethel, and they pitched their tents between Bethel and Ai, where they had camped before.
Genesis 13:3 (NLT)
Think About It:
- What stage are you currently walking through in your life and ministry?
- What new functions and responsibilities is God asking of you in this season?
- How can you worship God in the present stage and prepare for the next one?