Becoming a new Christian is much like starting a new chapter in a book. It's filled with exciting plot twists, moments of uncertainty, and the occasional cliffhanger that leaves you eager to discover what comes next.
As founder of Be Inspired For Real, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with many new believers who’ve shared their Christian journey. And let me tell you, it’s a mix of laughter, tears, and plenty of “Hallelujah!” moments.
In this blog, I want to share some of the frustrations, desires, and fears some people experience when they start their journey to find and grow in Christ.
Frustrations: When Faith Gets Complicated
Let’s start with a young woman named Diondra. Diondra was a college student who recently accepted Christ after attending a campus ministry event. Excited and feeling a newfound sense of purpose, she dove headfirst into church life. But soon, reality hit.
Diondra found herself overwhelmed by the complexities of reading the Bible. “I thought it would be straightforward,” she admitted. “But one verse led to another, and I felt like I was trying to decipher ancient hieroglyphics.”
Many new Christians experience this frustration when navigating biblical texts filled with historical context, poetry, and parables. But here’s the thing: it’s completely normal! Just like learning a new language, understanding the Bible takes time, patience, and a lot of grace.
Diondra found solace in joining a campus Bible study group, where she could ask questions and learn alongside others. Soon enough, her confusion transformed into curiosity, and the words began to resonate in her heart.
Desires: The Longing for Connection and Growth
Then there's Michael, a new believer from a small town desperate for connection. Michael's desire to find a community was palpable. During our chat, he spilled his heart out: “I want friends who share my faith, someone to talk to about my struggles and victories.” He had attended a few church events, but everything felt awkward. It's like the first time you tried to join a game of musical chairs, but there wasn't enough room.
Newcomers to Christianity often long for a community. Michael joined a small group focused on young adults at his church. With joy, he found a group of like-minded individuals who were just as eager to grow in faith. They laughed, shared failures, and celebrated milestones together. This fueled his desire for deeper connections and reinforced the idea that faith journeys are often best traveled in community.
Fears: The Shadow of Doubt
Fear is an emotion that many new Christians grapple with, and it often resembles that feeling of dread you have before giving a presentation in public. Janice, a mother of two, opened up about her fear of not being Christian enough. “I see people worship so passionately, and I feel like I’m just going through the motions,” she confessed. “What if I’m not saved? What if I mess up?”
This fear of inadequacy can plague new believers, making them doubt their worthiness of God's love. It’s an all-too-common storyline: the enemy whispers lies that you’re not doing enough or a fraud.
Thankfully, Janice found encouragement in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32). She realized that God’s love isn’t based on performance but grace. She began to see her imperfections as part of her journey, embracing them as opportunities to grow closer to God.
A Light in the Darkness: The Power of Testimonies
One of the most beautiful aspects of the faith journey is hearing others' testimonies. It’s like striking a match in a dark room. Suddenly, everything becomes a little brighter.
One believer, James, a former skeptic, shared how he reluctantly attended church after a tough breakup. A gas attendant from his neighborhood gas station invited him to his church, and he thought, "What?" At first, he just dropped by for the coffee, but he got hooked on how friendly everyone was and kept showing up.
During a sermon on forgiveness, James had an epiphany. “I realized I had been holding onto bitterness for too long,” he said. “It felt like a weight lifting off my shoulders.” That day marked a turning point. He discovered healing in himself and a community willing to walk alongside him in his struggles.
Conclusion: A Journey of Grace
As we wrap up the ups and downs of our new Christian journey, let’s remember that feeling frustrated, longing for something, and even being scared are just parts of our faith story.
Each person's story is unique, filled with twists that shape them into who they are meant to be. The key takeaway? Embrace the journey! Surround yourself with supportive communities, lean into your struggles, and seek growth. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just be open to where God is leading you.
So, whether you’re like Diondra, Michael, Janice, or James, know you’re not alone. Every Christian has been where you are, and in the beautiful complexity of faith, we find connection, growth, and the warmth of God’s unending grace.
Remember to laugh, share, and seek support as you navigate your journey. After all, life is a rollercoaster, and it’s always more fun when you have friends riding alongside you!
Share your journey, find support, and grow in faith together. Your story matters—let’s connect!
Janette Owens is the founder of Be Inspired For Real and owner of Be Inspired For Real LLC. She loves everything inspirational and has spent most of her life inspiring and motivating others through humor, prose, exhortation, and God's grace. Janette is the author of A Swan Song, an intimate collection of poems and short stories. Janette lives just outside of Memphis, Tennessee.
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