Navigating through this journey called “life” with a Father who has never been more loving, loyal, and wise was a bold move for me to make, particularly in my twenties. I’m only 24, and as you likely know, many at my age aren’t dedicated to their faith, or even making time for it. However, I felt compelled to surrender my life to God.
My Leap of Faith (Literally)
After attending services at Browncroft for a while, and even introducing a few family members to the church, I decided to go through the Rooted Bible study. This group comprised of young adults, some like me who didn’t know how to dive in, and others who had had a solid relationship with Jesus for as long as they could remember. Coming from a mix of backgrounds, we were all able to connect and help one another along in our faith.
Since doing Rooted, I’ve started reading the Bible, gotten baptized, and taken on two Christian book studies with individuals I met through my Rooted experience. I’ve also begun to use my background in marketing and communications to serve alongside the Communications Team here at Browncroft, assisting them with their social media efforts on Sunday mornings.
Here Are 5 Things I’ve Learned Since:
1. I’m not alone.
Like I mentioned earlier, when I joined Rooted, I met young adults just like me — those who didn’t know how to dive in, and those who didn’t grow up with a solid Christian foundation. In fact, there are several people I’ve met recently who didn’t have any Christian background whatsoever before joining Browncroft. But guess what! They showed up to learn. They showed up to understand. They showed up to strengthen their relationship with Jesus. Whether you’re one week into your journey with God or 70 years in, we all have one thing in common when we show up at Browncroft, or any other church: we want to learn more about Him– to embody His wisdom, love, care, compassion, grace, selflessness, and so much more.
“You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it.”
1 Corinthians 12:27
In this sacred environment, I’ve fostered wonderful friendships and mentorships that I believe will endure a lifetime. I’ve discovered a wealth of wisdom essential for my journey with Jesus and my growth as a woman.
2. I don’t need to know everything to walk with Him.
Before making the decision to go to college, buy a car, sign a lease, purchase a house, or get married, you’d like to know everything there is to know about that person, place, or thing, am I right? If you didn’t, wouldn’t it bring you some anxiety and fear? This is the opposite of how faith works.
“Then they asked him, ‘What does God want from us? What work does He want us to do?’ Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.‘”
John 6:28-29
You don’t have to read the Bible from cover to cover, know every disciple’s name, be able to list every location Jesus traveled to, or state the exact number of books that the Bible has in order to have a relationship with Jesus. So, what do you need? Your testimony. Your testimony serves as a beacon for your faith and empowers you to trust in Him and take part in the Great Commission.
3. He truly heals.
Despite originating from a broken home, having a nominal faith background, experiencing a separated family, having several unsaved friendships, struggling with an unsure spirit and an unforgiving mind, and more, the Lord worked on my heart.
“Come to me, all you who are tired and are carrying heavy loads. I will give you rest. Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29
He has gone above and beyond by repairing the relationship between my mother and me, which had been non-existent for three years. He freed us both of our grudges we’d been holding onto for too long and released us of the pride that had prevented us from reconciling.
Better yet, He’s still working. And the mind-blowing part: He’ll never stop working.
4. Others might not understand, but that’s okay.
Along this journey, you may lose people. It hurts, but it’s okay. You may encounter people who do not believe, who get confused, who feel uncomfortable, or just avoid the conversation of faith altogether. But the Holy Spirit is a part of you. Sure, it can be really hard to not be on the same page as a friend, a parent, a sibling, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a teammate, a mentor, or whomever. But there’s a bigger plan in place for you. You just have yet to see and experience it.
“I consider everything to be nothing compared to knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. To know Him is worth more than anything else.”
Philippians 3:8
There are people you have yet to meet who will serve as shining guides in your new life. I’ve met plenty already.
5. This is a love like no other.
God’s love is completely unconditional and requires nothing to be earned– not by me, not by you, and not by anyone else.
“Here is how God showed His love among us. He sent His one and only Son into the world. He sent Him so we could receive life through Him.”
1 John 4:9
He loves all of us, whether you choose to accept that or not. Despite our imperfections, our past, our sins, our mistakes, our disobedience, and our selfishness, He is all-in with us no matter what. Are you with Him?
