Our focus during this season is on Transitioning seasons. As established in our previous write-up Transitional seasons simply mean the periods of change in the distinct phases of our lives. The write-ups on transitioning seasons will explore how we can navigate through such seasons of change in life, while anchoring our faith in God, staying true to our purpose and utilizing the challenges that come with change as opportunities for growth and transformation.
In this article, we will delve into tips on navigating through seasons of profound shift in our faith journey when we surrender to Jesus as our Lord and Savior and embark on letting go of old ways, committing to the path of righteousness .
I was raised in a Christian home and my parents trained me to uphold Christian values. Despite my upbringing, while attending a university far away from home, I found myself influenced by the prevailing culture at the university environment and I strayed away from my beliefs, engaging in unwholesome activities such as wild partying, addicted to pornographic movies, and engaging in unhealthy relationships. I kept these behaviors hidden from my parents. But then, a miracle happened. I found myself at a Bible study at my church, listening to my pastor’s message, I made the decision to fully surrender to God, which is the most important decision of my life. During this time, I became aware of negative addictions I had developed overtime and worked to let go of them. I experienced struggles of letting go of negative addictions, and comparing my faith journey to others. I faced feelings of guilt, inadequacy, terrifying dreams of demonic oppression, and ridicule from friends about my decision to let go of certain things. I cried out to God, and on one fateful day after having a terrific dream, I hurried to a senior sister in the faith. I poured out my heart to her, feeling a deep need for deliverance. This sister prayed with me and then smiled warmly. I was puzzled by her smile, but she explained that I had made a courageous choice to turn away from darkness and embrace the light of Jesus Christ. She reassured me that the troubling thoughts and dreams were merely tactics of the devil to hinder my spiritual growth and potentially lead me to frustration or stagnation. She urged me to cling to God, to keep praying, and assured me that everything would be alright. Her words brought me immense relief. Upon returning home, the internal struggle persisted. One day, amidst battling evil thoughts, I heard a gentle voice whisper, “Let me help you.” (I believe this was the voice of the Holy Spirit). Subsequently, ideas flooded my mind – perhaps I should confide in other Christians who could offer counsel and support. Just when I felt like giving up, a senior brother in the faith reached out to me. He shared that the Holy Spirit had prompted him to encourage me not to lose hope, but to dive deeper into studying the Word and maintaining a consistent prayer life. I joined faith-based fellowship groups where we studied scripture, prayed together, shared our struggles and encouraged each other. By God’s grace and the help of the Holy Spirit, I did not give up and gradually began to witness growth in my faith journey.
Making the decisions to accept Jesus Christ, let go of old ways and walk in the path of righteousness are arguably most crucial choices we make in our lives. However, it is important to remain vigilant and aware of the devil’s schemes, as he will stop at nothing to distract us from the path of eternal life. We may be face challenges or distractions that can make us feel like giving up on the faith walk which may be internal, such as negative thoughts, or external. In this write-up, we will explore some tips that can help in navigating through such seasons.
- Hold on to faith in God.
Colossians 2:6-7 – Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Growing in faith involves holding on to God and trusting Him in every situation. This can be achieved by increasing knowledge of God through His word, which reveals His love, grace, and redemption through Jesus Christ. Believing in Jesus as our Savior leads to a rebirth in Christ, making us new creatures. By anchoring our faith in God’s truth and focusing on Jesus, we can continue to walk in the light of Jesus Christ in every season.
- Trust God for Mercy and Grace
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)
It is only by the mercy and grace of God that we can overcome sin and live a new life in Jesus Christ. Mercy is God withholding deserved punishment, while grace is God giving unmerited favor. When we confess and repent from our sins and believe in Jesus Christ, God forgives us and through the power of the Holy Spirit, leads us to walk in light- Jesus Christ. It is essential to understand the power of God’s mercy and grace so that the devil will not hold us captive of thoughts of condemnation, feeling so bad that God will not forgive and sometimes these thoughts can make us give-up on pursuing righteousness. Other times, they may be thoughts wondering if God can love a sinner like you and these insecurities may make you give up on the progress in our faith walk.
1 John 1:5-9 in the bible tells us that “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Furthermore, we must recognize that God’s mercy, grace, forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ offers an invitation to discipleship – a lifelong commitment to learning from and becoming like Jesus. The gospel’s forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ empowers us to cling to Jesus Christ in an intimate relationship through which we are being continually transformed to mirror Christ in nature and character.
Rise up, cling to Jesus Christ, and pursue righteousness. Do not allow unworthy thoughts to keep you in sin. Truly confess, repent, and walk in the light – Jesus Christ. God’s mercy and grace reflect His love for us, taking us from darkness into light of Jesus Christ.
- Flee sin and Pursue righteousness
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart 2 Timothy 2:22.
Sin is dangerous and should not be taken lightly. We must not rest or become complacent in the battle against sin. We must remain vigilant in fleeing sin, like Joseph fled from the temptation of adultery with Potiphar’s wife. On the other hand, we are called to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace by drawing near to God. Pursuing righteousness is not about earning points through good deeds, but about surrendering and aligning with God’s will through the help of the Holy Spirit. Engaging in spiritual disciplines like meditation and prayer can help us deepen our relationship with God and stay focused on His will. Continually pursuing righteousness by dwelling in God’s presence keeps us away from distractions that can linger us away from the faith in every season.
- Declare and personalize the word of God in every situation.
Transition seasons in our journey of faith can often bring about new experiences that may lead to conflicting thoughts. Despite making the decision to pursue righteousness, we may find ourselves facing challenges when worldly cultures contradict the teachings of the Bible, causing fear to creep in. Conflicting views on biblical truths and worldly precepts can create fear and pressure, leading to compromise on Christian precepts. The word of God serves as a powerful tool for us in times of uncertainty. By consistently declaring and internalizing the teachings of the Bible, we are able to remind ourselves of the truth and stand firm in our faith. For example, many young Christian women understand that purity is a Godly principle and strive to uphold it. However, societal norms may suggest that intimacy before marriage is necessary to keep a man. However, in this scenario, anchoring our beliefs in the word of God can provide strength and guidance. You declare and anchor your faith to the word of God which says “Look in the scroll of the Lord and read: None of these will be missing, not one will lack her mate. For it is his mouth that has given the order, and his Spirit will gather them together. He allots their portions; his hand distributes them by measure. They will possess it forever and dwell there from generation to generation (Isaiah 34:16-17)”.
The word ignites our faith and provides us with the assurance that God is faithful in fulfilling His promises. By aligning our actions with His word, we continue to walk on the path of righteousness and remain in the light, regardless of the challenges.
- Fellowship with others
Seek out a Christian community to connect with individuals who share the same Christian beliefs and values. Fellowship with like-minded Christians can provide support, encouragement, and opportunities for spiritual growth. Joining a fellowship can enhance your faith journey and deepen your relationship with God.
- Your Inner Circle matters
The company we keep, especially those who make up our innermost circle plays a significant role in shaping who we are and who we are becoming. These are the people we talk to, listen to, hang out with, and engage in various activities with. It is crucial to surround ourselves with individuals who encourage our growth in faith and help us stay on the path of fulfilling our purpose. Our close company, can serve as a source of motivation and support, guiding us towards purposeful engagements. However, the voices of provocation or discouragement from the wrong company can hinder our progress and cause us to remain stuck in old patterns. It is crucial to evaluate the influence of our inner circle and ensure that we are surrounded by individuals who uplift and support us on our journey towards personal growth and fulfillment.
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. (Proverbs 12:26)
In different seasons of life, we face challenges that can be overwhelming as we strive to live righteously in a world full of pressure. Despite these obstacles, there is hope and grace to support us on our journey of faith. Thankfully, we are not alone in this journey. We have been blessed with the ultimate helper, the Holy Spirit, who guides us through every season of life. By remaining steadfast in Jesus Christ who has overcome the world, we are empowered to rise above any challenge that comes our way.
Remember, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us].” (Romans 8:37)
Remain Blessed!
Thank you sister..not easy letting go but it is always worth it.