A 30-DAY GUIDE FOR NEW BELIEVERSby JOHN D. BECKETT
DAY 2
BEGINNING THE JOURNEY
What can I expect on my journey?
Years ago, when our family would set out on a long car trip, we would be only a few miles down the road when one of our then small children would ask, "Daddy, are we there yet?"
As we begin our spiritual journey, let's not focus on how long the journey is. And let's not worry about what we'll encounter along the way, for in reality we don't know. Only God does. Rather, let us think about what's happening right now. Here are some key ideas:
Just as you committed your life to Jesus, He has fully committed Himself to you. He promises: "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus is with you all the time, regardless of your situation.
Give up the idea of instant results. Spiritual growth doesn't happen overnight, it is a process. Look for small changes: meeting a new Christian friend; making a step to curtail an annoying habit; discovering a helpful insight from the Bible.
Take your new life a day at a time, even moment by moment. A daily writing by Oswald Chambers, whose thoughts on the Christian life are found in a wonderful book called My Utmost for His Highest, says in his July 28 entry: "(God's) purpose is for this minute, not something in the future." Focus on where He is working in you, around you and through you right now.
Here is a caution, one we'll get into in more depth later. When Jesus was explaining the parable of the sower to His disciples (mentioned in the Introduction), He said, "The wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart" (Matthew 13:19). He was referring to the devil, or Satan -- your adversary who is always working against you.
Satan's tactic for the new believer is to pull you back from your newfound faith. He'll say: "This isn't real. You've just had an emotional experience." "You're going to lose all your friends." "Your fun days are over." It's a mental battle, and dealing with the adversary is a fact of your Christian life.
When Satan comes with doubts, fears and temptations, oppose him with words like these: "I am a child of God, redeemed from my old life by the Lord Jesus." Then pray for Jesus to help you. "Lord, help me through this battle."
Remember: by coming to Jesus you have taken a major, life-transforming step -- one you will never regret!
Key Scripture
He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
Key Thought
My next step is the most important on my lifelong journey.
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Copyright © 2006 by John D. Beckett
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