A friend of mine grew up in a Christian household where going to church on Sundays was non-negotiable. Her parents ensured she and her siblings knew all the stories from the Bible and sang hymns every night before bed. But as she got older, something changed. She said that suddenly, she faced the reality of making her own decisions and carving her path. She wanted to be a good Christian, but it wasn't easy. I understood all too well.
In my teenage years, I rebelled against everything that was expected of me. I wanted to live life to the fullest, to experience everything the world had to offer. I was living la vida loca for Christ, or so I thought. Looking back, I realize that I was just being reckless and irresponsible.
After questioning whether to answer God's call, my faith eventually wavered, and I stopped attending church altogether, leaving me feeling like a failure.
As the years flew by, I faced numerous obstacles that left me feeling disheartened and shattered. Whether it was a failed relationship, a job rejection, or a personal setback, these disappointments seemed to follow me like a shadow. Thankfully, amidst all the chaos and turmoil, there was always a constant source of love and support that kept me going: God's unwavering love for me. In the moments of despair, I found solace in that I was not alone and that someone was looking out for me, no matter what.
It wasn't until the last ten years that I felt a pull towards Christianity again. This time, though, it felt different—pure and genuine. It wasn't about following rules or trying to please anyone else but God.
I started attending church again, reading the Bible daily, and praying often. It wasn't an overnight transformation; there were still moments when I struggled with doubt and sin. But this time, I found peace knowing that nobody, including Christians, is perfect.
Be inspired—Christianity isn't about perfection but grace and forgiveness. We're all flawed human beings, but God's love for us remains steadfast.
I think sometimes we forget that God loves humor. After all, He created it! I find myself laughing while reading the Bible at times. It's usually when there's a witty remark or a humorous anecdote. It reminds me that God has a sense of humor and that we should.
When I first started my journey toward becoming a good Christian, I felt overwhelmed by the number of rules and expectations that I thought I had to follow. I remember feeling like I wasn't good enough because I couldn't keep up with everything that was expected of me.
But then, I had a profound experience that changed my entire perspective. I felt particularly down and discouraged one day, so I read my Bible. As I flipped through the pages, I found a passage about God's unconditional love and grace. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I realized Christianity wasn't about following rules but embracing God's love and forgiveness.
Since then, my journey has been like a roller coaster ride. There have been moments when I've felt on top of the world and other times when I've hit rock bottom. But God's love has remained constant.
I remember a time when I was going through a challenging period in my life. I was struggling with low self-esteem and anxiety, and I felt like I was utterly alone. But then, I went to church and heard a sermon that spoke directly to my heart. It was like the pastor was speaking directly to me, and I left feeling like I had a renewed sense of hope.
Another time, like how many, I made a mistake I thought was unforgivable. I was sure that God would be disappointed in me and that I would never be able to forgive myself. But then, I prayed and asked for forgiveness and felt a sense of peace wash over me. I realized that God's love is much greater than any mistake I could ever make.
Now I understand that Christianity is all about grace, forgiveness, and learning to love as Jesus did. It's not about being perfect or following a set of rules; it's about embracing God's love and sharing it with others.
So, if you're feeling discouraged in your journey with Christ, know you're not alone. Take comfort in knowing that nobody's perfect, but with God's help, we can strive to be the best versions of ourselves.
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 love. 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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