There’s So Much More

I used to have a lot of questions about my faith that I really wanted definite answers to. How many times would I have to ask God to fill me up? How many times would I have to say the prayer? How many times would I have to ask Him to come into my heart? How many times would I have to ask Him to clean me up? Was I really sure about going to Heaven? Was I really born again? Was His Spirit leaving me when I made a wrong choice and returning when I repented? Is this the whole thing about being born again? Was I to know the same thing forever? What on earth am I here for? Okay, I’m born again, now what?

Unknown to me for a long time, all the answers I ever needed were already available to me. I didn’t realise I had the treasure.

Just take a glimpse of what I had:

“Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”
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– 2 Timothy 3:16 MSG

I couldn’t just pick a verse or chapter of the Bible every now and then and be satisfied with only that; I had to search all Scriptures. I had a balanced meal but I stayed on milk for so long. I kept asking for what I already had access to. I expected to grow but how could that happen if from infancy to adulthood I thought to feed on just milk?

The Word of God was available to me. God’s Spirit made His home in me immediately I believed The Gospel, ready to help me to know everything about God, what He has gifted me and what He has called me to do. I was ignorant of all I had received freely from my Father in Heaven, asking for a drop when I had the river that could never dry up flowing within me.

You see, The Word of God is one of the greatest possessions of the believer.

Paul desired knowledge for the church in Ephesus and by extension, all believers:
“But I do more than thank. I ask – ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory – to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him – endless energy, boundless strength!”
– Ephesians 1:17-19 MSG

I am definitely growing now that I feed on The Word, continue in prayer, walk in the Spirit, fellowship with believers and learn from those who know better about the Faith as they guide me from The Word of God. I no longer let doubts cloud my mind about being a child of God, I am more conscious of who I am in Christ and all that I have received. I am confident as He says in Hebrews 13:5 that He is never leaving me. I am certain that he will bring to a flourishing finish this beautiful work He has started in me as His Word says in Philippians 1:6.

Another important factor, you need to attend a church where your progress and joy in the faith is being taken care of so you can grow. I learnt something last year that if you’re not sentimental about the choice of your hospital then you shouldn’t be carefree about where you worship.

Earlier this year, a list of four things to look out for while choosing a local assembly was shared in my Triumph30 devotional and I totally agree with the list:

• Their understanding of the Gospel
• Their theology about money
• Their charismatic ministry
• Their mission-mindedness

You can read up more details about this list: 1, 2, 3, 4

If the choice of your church still requires parental guidance, you may consider discussing with your parents or connecting with a church through online platforms but be sure the Holy Spirit guides your decision.

Regardless of your church, ensure you open your bible to read by yourself, learn, ask questions, pray, have friends who you can grow with and test all things you’re being taught as advised in 1 Thessalonians 5:21. The Holy Spirit is in you to teach you everything as Jesus said in John 14:26 and I’m sure He’ll guide you to the right teachers also. Just make sure you’re growing.

I’m still learning and there’s so much more to know about this wonderful gift of being put right with God by grace through faith but I’m glad I didn’t get comfortable with not knowing and I hope you don’t also.

I would love that you don’t settle for the unknown god when you can know God as your Father. Don’t stay on milk when you have a feast before you.

Cheers to more progress and joy in the faith.