If you are new to the faith or considering converting to the faith, this post is for you!
Hi, and welcome to Armored with Faith! This space is for those looking to grow in their faith, build self-confidence, and become fit. Along with meaningful, helpful content, I’ll share my journey in the faith, fitness updates, and confidence-building journey.
I hope to encourage you to live a life full of purpose, faith, and confidence. If you haven’t already, please like, comment, and subscribe. I cannot wait to connect with you!
My Journey to the Faith
When I initially gave my life to Christ at the age of 18, I went into it thinking that all of my life’s problems would go away and that everything I prayed for, I would get. It wasn’t long, maybe a couple of months, that I noticed the problems that I was dealing with seemed to worsen.
Life at home was becoming more of a nightmare. I found myself praying that God would make the situation better for me, but the more I asked, the more my living situation worsened. About a year after giving my life to Christ, I gave up and went back to living how I was before.
At the end of 2016, I hit rock bottom. I felt like nothing I did or how hard I worked, nothing I was doing, yielded the results I wanted. In November of 2016, I attempted to end my life. I was tired, emotionally drained. When I woke up the next day, I was confused, upset that I wasn’t successful. It took me a moment to realize that although I was going through turmoil, there was more to do with this life I was given. This is why mid-2017, I gave my life back to Christ. This time around, I went into it with a different mindset and a group of people of the faith who would help me and guide me on my journey.
Has my journey in the faith been easy?
No!
Have I wanted to give up?
Yes!
One thing I’ve learned to be true is that no matter what life throws in my direction, I trust that God is there with me, guiding me through it all. He hears me when I cry. He comforts me when I’m not my best. God strengthens me when I feel weak. I am never alone.
New Christians, Keep These Things In Mind
Choose a version of the Bible that’s easy for you to read
When I began my walk with Christ, the first Bible that I purchased was a King James Version (KJV) Bible. The wording was a little tricky for me to keep up with, and on many occasions, I would avoid reading it. I didn’t know then that several other versions of the Bible were available.
A while later, I researched different versions of the Bible and came across the New International Version (NIV) Bible. This version of the Bible is uncomplicated to read and understand.
Here’s a list of the versions of the Bible I recommend to new Christians:
-NIV (New International Version)
-NKJV (New King James Version)
-Amplified
-CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Once you’ve found a version of the Bible that you’re comfortable reading, plan to read it daily. I will have Bible reading plans posted (coming soon – February 10, 2022) to help you on your journey. So, be on the lookout for that.
Find and be a part of a community of believers
As a new Christian, one of your main tasks is to find a church. You probably already know this, but you must surround yourself with other believers. When seeking a church, remember that no place is perfect, but you should learn from and grow in whichever church you choose.
Go at your own pace!
I cannot say this enough, but GO AT YOUR OWN PACE!
God knows your heart. As long as you are making a daily effort of praying, reading the Word, and living as sin-free as possible, you are well on the way to becoming knowledgeable of the Word and Christian living. The goal is to learn effectively with the hope of teaching others what you are learning.
More Helpful Advice
- Get into the habit of praying consistently
- Share your faith with family and friends
- Don’t expect to be perfect or know everything
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions
- Confess your sins daily
One Last Thing
As a new believer, you will be challenged. You will be pushed to a point where sometimes you’ll want to give up. Let me encourage you to push through! Every day that God blesses you to see, read God’s Word, meditate on what you’ve read, and journal your way through this journey.
Don’t go at it alone, though. Become involved in your church. Get involved in a community group, or create one of your own, to meet some fellow believers that can help you on your journey. You got this! I believe that you will grow deeper with Christ and lead others to do the same.
-Nieshia Tionne-
Armored with Faith 