My Journey To Christ
Accepting God’s proposal
My journey to Christianity started like most, being coaxed into attending church with family. Needless to say, I didn’t pay much mind to my first sermon. In fact, I spent most of that time in my head, trying to muster up an excuse to get out of coming again. Alas, the effort was fruitless, and I found myself in church the following week.
So, why did I keep going?
To tell the truth, I don’t fully know why! However, I do know what stuck with me during that time. It wasn’t anything particular that was said in the sermon, nor was it some miraculous revelation of God himself. No. It was the people.
What stuck out to me was how the people of the congregation behaved. How they welcomed us newcomers in with zeal but also the way they spoke of life and how they lived. To say the least, I was completely star-struck.
These people had a way about them that inspired wisdom and a life that had been lived, which I greatly admired.
So I kept going. I made friends with the people of the congregation, listened to the sermons, and grew to have a more complete understanding of God.
Eventually, as time passed, I became more involved with the church and became somewhat introspective. What did I believe? So, I looked into Christianity as a whole, questioning God’s character to decide what I thought about it all. I didn’t get very far on my own, but thankfully, I had people to answer my queries adequately.
Over time, I grew more fond of this Christ figure. So, I decided that this is what I would believe in; this is WHO I would believe in.
Now, I know what you’re most likely thinking. Where was the defining moment? What happened that made you completely shift gears?
There wasn’t one.
2 Corinthians 3:18. “And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
As stated above, sanctification is the gradual process where we, as Christians, are being made more like Christ each day. So, to answer your hypothetically proposed question, there was no defining moment when I decided to accept Christ as my Lord and Savior.
The best way I can explain my experience with becoming a Christian is to view it the same way as courting. God wants us to be a part of His kingdom. He proposes that we put our faith and trust in Him to save us from our sins so that we may be seen as holy and blameless in His sight. We have the choice to reject or accept His proposal.
So, I guess, in some way, there was a turning point after all, but not in the “God appeared in my dreams!” sense. At the end of the day, God found me, and I just had to say thanks. I acquiesced and let Him take the reigns to my rocky life.
My journey to God was not without its challenges. I believe if it weren’t for those challenges, I wouldn’t be as committed to my faith as I am now.
Trials either make or break faith.
The Chinese word for “crisis” is comprised of two aspects. One depicts danger and the other opportunity. In trials, both are present. We can either bear fruits or thorns.
My trials were numerous and still ongoing, believe it or not. However, one that many fellow believers struggle with is doubt.
Am I really a Christian?
A question repeated numerous times, including by me. The way I reasoned against this doubt was through (once again) gradual sanctification.
We, as Christians, will never get to the point of having a sinless life on earth. It’s entirely impossible. However, because of Christ’s grace, we are becoming more like him each day and can be forgiven for our trespasses, circumventing the devil’s accusations of us sinning.
Trials can either be an opportunity to grow our faith in God or be a danger and take away from it. Both outcomes can and will happen.
James 1:2–4. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
My journey to Christ is far from over, and so is yours.
If you want to know more about me and my mission, consider reading the below story.
Thank you, dear reader, for taking the time to look through this story. I hope it has encouraged you in some or another, and as always, stay safe and stay humble.
Bio
Nicholas is a writer focused on the true essence of God-given purpose and masculinity, As well as dropping the occasional poem here and there.
