1 Samuel 3:19, 21 And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground….For the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.
As Samuel grew up physically, so he grew spiritually in the Lord. This was the response generated in him by the Word and the Spirit. Samuel’s growth was similar to what was said about Jesus: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man [Luke 2:52].” Physical growth happens naturally to all human children. Spiritual growth does not always happen unless we are paying attention to God and His Word.
Samuel knew the Lord, heard His voice, listened to Him, and spoke forth God’s Word. God was with him and he did not speak the Word in vain. Growing up in the Lord is a natural, nay, supernatural, occurrence for every baptized believer who spends time with God in His Word. Growth is our response to God’s dealing with us and His working in us. Fruit is produced in those who abide in Jesus. Just like we don’t make our bodies grow, neither do we make our souls grow. Healthy souls grow strong when we feed on God’s Word. And the Word accomplishes the purpose for which it is sent.
We may feed and water, but God gives the increase. We don’t know how and we don’t see it, like the seed growing secretly, but growth happens for those who continue in My Word. 1 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”