How has your Christian life progressed?

Question

(Or if you're not a Christian, how has your life progressed).

I asked this to my ex-youth leader yesterday, and I thought he gave a really good answer, and I thought it would be interesting to hear other Christian's experiences too...

He said that at the beginning it was more like doing stuff for God, and also asking Him for things, you know - like aiming to do good things, church ministry etc. But now it's more a case of enjoying the relationship, experiencing God's power, realising more of his own faults, and as a result, knowing more of God's grace. He also said that for each person it's different, as God's got individual plans for us, and we're also approaching it from different starting points, so God needs to work on our characters in different ways.

Anyway - I'd love to hear your experiences!... oh yeah - and "Has it been worth it?"

Answer 1

I made my choice when I was only five, no parental or other pressure. I had read most of the Bible, (I started learning to read at 3/4) and was convinced that I needed Jesus in my life.

I have Asperger's Syndrome, but it wasn't diagnosed until I was 17, so but I knew that I was not "normal". I knew I got frustrated and angry and needed to learn self-control, Galatians 5 v22-23 spoke to me particularly.

Through moving houses and changing schools, (about 10 of each in total so far), my faith was an anchor in an unpredictable, often hostile world. In secondary school, I developed a form of meditation, which I believe to be inspired by God, to help me to calm down and reduce the frustration and stress I was under. Finally I got most of my frustration under control, for which I am indebted (again) to God's influence on my life.

At university, I finally was diagnosed as having Asperger's and started to truly understand my limits, however university life pushed me past my limits, and dragged me into depression. Again, Jesus was there for me and with the support of my earthly and heavenly father, I began the long road to recovery.

I have long felt strongly called towards careers based on helping people, Pharmacy and IT support, and I am now searching for work supporting people with disabilities or teaching assistant work.

I feel that my faith has been more than worth it, it has been a necessity and often the only joy in the darker parts of my life. The Graham Kendrick song "God with Us" (http://www.grahamkendrick.co.uk/songs/lyrics/god_with_us.htm) has always reminded me that God understands human suffering intimately.

Answer 2

The call to salvation is open to all.
As we know not all respond. But God stills call.
No matter what we're like the opportunity to be forgiven and saved is just the same. To bring in some current thoughts John Newton in Amazing Grace writes, 'Amazing grace how sweet the sound - that saved a wretch like me!' He was a slave trader and he got saved. It doesn't matter what we're like God accepts us just the way we are.
BUT, and it is a big but, He doesn't expect us to remain like that. We are to change, to progress. It's sad when Christians never move on from that initial move to Christ - and it does happen.
When I came to Christ at 16, I was shy, nervous and would say boo to a goose let a lone speak of Jesus. But now 19 or so years on, I preach at my Church, I've given testimony innumerable times, and am so much more confident and secure.
I could go on but I wont, suffice to say: is the Christian life worth it? yes it is; but a better question would be: is Jesus worth it? and the answer every time is yes.

Answer 3

I agree with your youth leader. At first its like you got it all together, then you find out the faults you have, and have to work on. That is why I love the song Amazing Grace. Yes it has totally been worth it. I forgave my father for beating me as a child and had a good relationship with him a year before he died. That was God in my life at the time.

Answer 4

Does God plan for children to starve to death?
Where is their grace and mercy?
Does God just ignore their prayers and answer only those of the affluent Christian who finds it so important for God to "work on their characters" rather than put an end to disease and poverty?

Answer 5

My Life has progressed with the spread and availabilty of all knowledge.ReligiousKnowledge,
historical knowledge,health knowledge,life knowledge,scientific knowledge etc.I like many, lead a more informed life.

Answer 6

I'm agnostic but still regularly go to church just to keep an open mind.

Answer 7

I gained more wisdom in my 41 years and lost physical stability because of my previous lack of wisdom !

Answer 8

The scriptures are opened more and more, sin seen more clearly, mercy and grace more treasured, and Christ more precious.

Answer 9

Yeah, so far. There's up and downs and mystery as to findin our own path.