The New Believer: A Letter To Myself

A lot has happened in my fourteen years as a Christian. The world has rapidly changed around me, and my life is radically different than the one I was leading before my salvation. In fact, I would say that my life is unrecognizable from what it once was and what it was almost certainly going to be. Even after becoming a Christian, I was confident that I had a firm understanding of what my new life would look like. I had no idea how much I didn’t know. I could have saved myself a lot of trouble if, as a new believer, I had received a few tips to navigate my faith.

Reaching Out To A New Believer

After my salvation, everything changed. I immediately went home and started throwing things away that I felt didn’t honor God. I pulled out my dusty Bible and could finally read it with some understanding. I was excited and felt free for the first time I could remember.

Like many new believers, I made quite a few assumptions about what would come next. Not to mention, I also assumed the “journey” was over. You know how people talk about their spiritual journey to find God, right? Well, I rarely, if ever, heard anything beyond that. It was like every fairytale that ended with “and they lived happily ever after.” That’s the end of the story. Nope. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

So, I have written a letter. I imagine it is delivered to the May 3, 2009 version of myself. Would I have listened to 2024 Julie? I’m not convinced I would have, but maybe you’re a new believer and can take something away from my warnings to the younger and inexperienced version of myself.

A Letter To Myself As A New Believer

Dear Julie,

I’m so happy for you! How long ago was it that you claimed to hate Jesus and wanted Christians to just go away? God is so good! Remember, you did nothing to deserve or earn salvation. So, even on your best days, don’t get too puffed up. God did it all.

You have probably guessed that things are about to change. As someone who has literally walked before you, I can assure you that you have no clue how different your life is about to be. Don’t be scared, though. You’ll be fine. However, maybe I could give you a few tips to help you along your way to make the path a little smoother as you transition from secular humanist to born-again Christian.

Your Problems Aren’t Magically Gone Now

At the moment, you feel like everything has been made instantly better. Nothing can stop you now because you are a child of God… I hate to rain on your parade (though, it seems like I do that a lot), but your problems haven’t gone anywhere.

Consequences for your past actions and words still exist. Struggles you’ve had for years didn’t simply melt away. Oh, and yes, you’re still insecure, and you will be at forty, too.

I should also add that being a Christian is going to bring some troubles along. Your new believer enthusiasm, for example, will draw some unwelcome negative attention. The Christian road isn’t always easy. Actually, you don’t realize this yet, but Christians will suffer and face trials. It isn’t an if but a when.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

James 1:2-4 (ESV)

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:10

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”

1 Peter 4:12-14

You Aren’t Alone With Your Problems

Brothers And Sisters In Christ

Despite still having problems, personal struggles, and possible persecution, you won’t have to do it alone. For one, your church is your family. Those people love you, and they are going to walk alongside you through anything that happens. And I assure you that stuff is gonna happen.

Allow the Christians in your life to minister to you and see you be vulnerable. One day, you’ll be able to do the same for them. Right now, though, as a new believer, take a learning posture and be open to help.

The Lord Provides Comfort

OK, let’s say you burn every bridge and run away from all the nice people you just met. Guess what. You will still have Jesus. He doesn’t leave you or tire of you like you fear others will. He loves you, Julie. Jesus died to pay your debt, and you can trust Him in all things. Lean on His strength because Christ won’t ever fail you.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Some People Won’t Like New Believer Julie

I know how excited you are about the changes God is making in your life, but there are people watching you right now who are absolutely disgusted and/or dismayed at what they see. New believer Julie is sober and wants to talk about the Bible, but these people want the drunk version of you that is always up to stay out all night for some laughs. They hate this new you.

Don’t count on your friends to be around much longer; Your life offends them.

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”

Matthew 10:22

“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.”

Luke 6:22

I know it seems weird that people who loved you yesterday will turn on you just because you follow Christ now, but they hate what you represent.

You Are Offensive

You’ve lived these last twenty-six years being a people pleaser. Offending others is the absolute last thing you would ever want to do, but you’re going to need to get over that. Christ offends the world, and you love Him more than anything else. Meanwhile, many of your friends and family love the world and the things in it most.

Despite your best efforts, many friends and relatives will keep you at a “safe” distance or outright reject you. Don’t give them a reason to do this, but also understand that it will happen. Believers can’t expect unbelievers to understand and love the things of the Lord.

“Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.”

 1 John 3:8-10 (ESV)

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

2 Corinthians 6:14-16

You are a child of God, and they serve their father, the Deceiver. Until they accept the Lord as Savior, it will be impossible to be as close and connected as you long to be. In some cases, any relationship at all will cease to exist.

Those Dreams And Plans You Made Will Change

Julie, you have big dreams and plans for your life. As a planner, you’ve mapped it out and are ready to execute a perfectly thought-through plan. Being a new believer, you seem to think you can add Jesus to your current plans. That’s a nice thought, but it’s completely unrealistic.

God has plans and purposes for you that you have yet to even consider. Ultimately, you’ll have to let go of things you think you want and need because He will direct your life in new and unimaginable ways. It will be difficult to let go of some of it, but I can guarantee what the Lord has in store for you is so much better. Trust Him. He really knows best.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Luke 9:23

This Fire Will Cool

Right now, you are what some people call being “on fire for the Lord.” This is fairly typical for a new believer. However, your valleys will come. Do you remember that I said you’re offensive to some people? Well, this enthusiasm for Jesus is going to play a part in that, and it will make you quiet down a little bit in response.

Over the upcoming years, your boldness and confidence concerning your faith will ebb and flow as life circumstances change, but in general, your faith will increase. Just know that boldness and praise won’t be easy to come by every single day. God still loves you and will walk through that with you, so don’t fear that He will abandon you. When He seems far away, draw closer.

Unity Is Difficult

Kumbaya, My Lord may be playing in repeat on your head at this point, but unity with other Christians won’t always be easy.

For one, some people will claim Christ but not know Him.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Matthew 7:21-23

Unity with someone who you know or strongly suspect to be unsaved is difficult when they want that unity to be in Christ’s name. You’ll need to create boundaries you can live with.

Second, there is such a variety of teachings and beliefs under the banner of Christianity! You’ll need to determine over time which beliefs are non-negotiable and which others fall under agree-to-disagree territory.

And third, we’re all still human, and that makes for a potential mess. The Church is filled with people saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but these saved people are still sinners. (You, too, my friend.) Your relationship with sin has changed, but don’t let that new believer optimism fool you. Sin won’t be in your past in this life.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

1 John 1:8

Final Thought

Julie, life is a whirlwind right now, and everything feels new and exciting. And do you know what? It is new and exciting! It’s also going to bring in unexpected challenges, though, and your new faith will bring about heartache from unthinkable circumstances. But I don’t say this to scare you. No. I just want you to be prepared for what’s coming, but more than anything else I want to reassure you. The Lord will give you peace, comfort, and joy in every circumstance, and you are going to mature in your faith with each trial as you lean on Him.

Enjoy this life, Julie, because God has gifted you with an amazing one!

Your future self,

Julie

How about you, reader? If you had the chance, what would you say to yourself as a new believer?

Image courtesy of Unseen Studio via Unsplash.