I remember the day we brought these little nuggets home, all 4 pounds of them. It was the most terrifying yet exciting day. Leaving the hospital, it took us a bit of time to get them in the car seats because they were so tiny, we had to make sure the straps were snug enough. It was a rare snowy day as we drove home and I sat between them in the backseat crying. I was so overwhelmed with so many emotions and all I could think was: “what do I do now?”…..“how do I do this?” These precious babes are our responsibility and all the tips and self-help books I read didn’t really make me feel all that prepared at this point. Somehow we made it and just this past weekend celebrated those two little ones becoming teenagers. This Mommas heart just wasn’t ready for that……and I think I have that same feeling now as we enter the teenage years: “what do we do now?” and “how do we do this?”
I am so thankful that we have a God that doesn’t leave us hanging like that. However, I think often times we may feel like that. Maybe you are a new Christian and you just aren’t sure what to do now or maybe you’ve been a Christian a long time but don’t quite know what it means to ‘grow.’ It didn’t stop at the Cross friends. Jesus Christ didn’t just die on the cross for our sins and say “well good luck!” He rose from the dead, giving us joy that doesn’t end in death but instead new life in freedom through Him. He has provided us unwavering Truth and guidance through an incredible manual called the Holy Bible to walk this life out with. Throughout Scripture we are given countless stories and certainties that we can freely look to always. He provides us all we need to live a holy life.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1: 3-4
Peter reminds us here of the sources made available to us. When we grasp and utilize these sources we have the ability to share in his divine nature. Wow! What a promise! Now, this doesn’t mean we are automatically free from all sin or become God ourselves. What it does mean is when we surrender our lives to Him, we become like Him and have access to the only way there is to escape evil….and that is through Him. In addition, we have the hope of one day being morally perfected when Jesus returns. Oh how my heart soars to read these promises!
It is important to note here that this isn’t an “on-call” or “genie in a bottle” kind of thing. We don’t just tap into our “sources” when we need them or when things get tough. It is our duty and should be our hearts desire to seek Him daily, reading these promises daily so they are stamped on our hearts and in our minds. It is then and only then that the “what do I do now? and “how do I do this” questions will be answered. Through this daily relationship with Him comes growth. Growth produces confidence in who we are in Him and wisdom in how we do life with Him. Maybe you are still saying: “Ok this is all great, but I don’t even know where to start.” Can I share a few things that have helped me?
*Find a devotional book that can guide you through scripture and help you understand some things better. Here are links to a few I have used in the past and absolutely love:
My FAVORITE: Whispers of Hope by Beth Moore
One Thousand Gifts by Anne Voskamp
Living the Psalms by Charles Swindoll
*Friendship/Fellowship/Community – if you don’t have a church home, find one. That is key. You need a home base where you can go and hear Truth spoken each week. Also a place where you can begin to build relationships with others that can encourage you and love you through God’s Word. This happens when you GET CONNECTED. Sometimes we have to take the first step in that and it may be hard, it may require stepping out of your comfort zone but it is a key part of this: join a bible study. This is a beautiful thing because we can glean wisdom from what others are learning. And just an extra perk: it’s a little more difficult to fall off the wagon when others are expecting to see you each week!
*Mentor/Discipleship/Accountability – This is something the Lord’s been stirring in my heart for the past several months that is such a gift and an important part of our walk. Pray for and seek out someone whom you believe is a little further in their walk with the Lord. The Lord speaks through His people and I believe this is a very very important part of the equation. Pray for someone whom you can trust completely, whom you can be vulnerable with and whom you know will boldly speak Truth into your life. When discipleship/accountability works correctly, it can help your growth in your walk with the Lord tremendously.
May you realize that “what now” and “how do I do this” isn’t in God’s Word but instead are promises and guidance. May you rest in the fact that He has gone before you, He loves you and desires you to have your own story with Him. May you be ready to confidently and courageously step up to the challenge of growing in your walk and relationship with Him!
a girl who met grace 