I keep thinking I’m going to write about blessings, but God keeps having other plans. And that’s part of the point of this post. When you’re walking with God, you sometimes change directions.
If you read my prior posts about my story, you know how drastically my life has changed. But for what purpose? What happens next?
It’s interesting that we call accepting Christ as our Savior and choosing to turn from our old ways to follow Him being “born again.” It’s interesting in that, following our “rebirth” we have a LOT of growing to do.
One major difference between growing in the flesh and growing spiritually is that, as you grow in your flesh life you become more independent. In your spiritual life, you grow more interdependent with other believers and more dependent upon God Himself.
As a spiritual infant, I needed the following things to grow:
I had to learn God’s word. I knew a bit of the Bible from what I’d picked up throughout the years. But much of my understanding was incorrect. And God had given me a hunger for His word. So, I got involved in Bible studies, I read the Bible on my own, and I asked LOTS of questions. It’s so important to know God’s word for yourself so you’re not led astray.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what it true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I had to learn to pray. This might seem like…well, duh. But even the disciples asked Jesus how to pray. They must’ve seen Jesus doing something they’ve never seen before. But Jesus had a lot to say about how to prayer. Reach Matthew 5:5-13 to read His response to the disciples.
To start, the best thing to do is just pour your heart out to God. He knows it all already. So, don’t bother hiding anything. And let’s be honest, if you don’t talk to someone, do you reallyhave a relationship with them? If you want a relationship with God, you need to talk to Him.
It took me a while to get comfortable praying, especially in front of others. Now I pray before my feet hit the floor and before I fall asleep at night…and numerous times in between. When I’m upset about something, I vent it all to God. For one, it helps keep me from complaining and gossiping to others. For another, it keeps me connected to God. And lastly, by the end of those prayers, I tend to feel much better…grateful even. God has a way of changing my entire outlook.
There’s a great movie that illustrates the power of prayer: War Room. It’s so good. It even inspired me to build a War Room of my own.
“Never stop praying.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
I had to get to know God’s people. Sunday mornings at a large church didn’t offer great opportunities to get to know other believers. But Bible studies did. As did volunteering. I can’t stress the importance of this enough—GET CONNECTED! Don’t rely on people reaching out to you. They should, but they’re human. They’re busy. Don’t let that be your excuse. They’re responsible for their actions. You are responsible for yours. Put yourself out there.
“Christ died for us to that, whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with Him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” – Thessalonians 5:10-11
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
I had to get involved. I wanted to work with kids so badly, but I was so new to Christianity, how could I possibly teach them? And I didn’t think my church needed me. But I learned that walking with God meant stepping out in faith, bringing God what I had and allowing Him to supply the rest. I recently watched a video by Andy Stanley that illustrates this perfectly. I highly recommend you check it out: 5 Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith: Personal Ministry It’s brilliant.
“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
I had to learn to trust God. If you read my story, you can understand why I have trust issues. I struggle to trust people and I didn’t trust God. I mean, He allowed those terrible things to happen to me as a child, right? But I now realize that God isn’t the author of evil. He’s the only reason there’s any good in this world. We’re the reason things are so bad. But imagine if everyone followed God’s ways? Not the world’s distortion of God’s ways…but God’s ways as revealed in the Bible? This world would be a much better place. This is why Proverbs 3:5-6 is my life verse. It’s my reminder when I start to get off track to return to God’s good and straight path.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Following God is incredibly simple, yet difficult. But it’s the only way to true freedom, joy, and peace. I haven’t arrived yet. But I’m headed in the right direction.
Which direction are you headed in?
What is God asking of you? Is He asking you to learn His word? To talk to Him? To get to know His other kids (believers)? To get involved in ministry? To trust Him?
You are loved,
J F Rogers