One Step at a Time. You'll get there.

We know that salvation is the first step in following the Lord. We profess that He is Lord, admit that we are sinners, are baptized, and our heart is changed in that moment. Then comes the lifelong process of sanctification which is a fancy word for following Jesus and becoming more like him.

But I think so many new believers can become weighed down with, “What do I do now?” or “How do I move forward?”. The answer comes in many forms, and I want to tell you from my own personal experience of when I felt like real change began in my walk with the Lord.

My salvation came at the age of 20 and while I know the Lord changed my heart at that moment, my actions didn’t all change at that moment. I had to go through the process of figuring out who God was and what his purpose was for my life. I would say I spent 20 years or more searching, praying and trying to understand his direction. I knew God and felt the Holy Spirit but to be honest I felt like I was floating along by just checking off the boxes of going to church, reading the Bible and praying. All those things are necessary for growth, but what happens when you feel like you aren’t growing? Rest assured that when you are pursuing the Lord, even though you may feel it’s not moving as fast as you would like, know that He is still at work in your heart. Habits are changing, attitudes are changing, lifestyle changes are happening, often so subtly that we hardly recognize them. We read of so many individuals in the Bible that were used by God in mighty ways but first went through a time of preparation, often many years.

So, what made the difference for me?  I recognized I was already doing the things that made the difference but only NOW when I go to church, I focus on truly worshipping the Lord and sitting with anticipation of what He has prepared for ME to learn and apply to my life. Maybe in the past I went because I was supposed to.

When I read my Bible NOW, I do so in a manner that first takes in consideration the context in which I read it. Who wrote this book? Who is the audience? What is the overall message being presented? No more pointing to a scripture and hoping for the best. I think once we understand that scripture has been given to us so that we can really know who God is and have a true relationship with Him then we can read it in a way that draws us closer to Him. In all honesty, why did I think I knew what God wanted for my life when I didn’t even know who He was and is?  Relationships require two people. I wouldn’t invite someone over to my house that I didn’t even know much less tell them all my deep dark secrets. So, is your relationship with God one sided? He knows everything about you, but do you really know anything about him?

Lastly, when I pray NOW I do so with a heart of thanksgiving. I recognize that He is the giver of life, and I relinquish all control to Him. He directs my steps and knows what’s best for me. My prayers are no longer what I want him to do for me but rather what His will is for me. I am so easily distracted, and it is necessary for me to find that quiet place for prayer. I not only want to be fully in tune while I am praying but I want to create a space to hear Him speak back to me. Prayer will change you.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.