ironA message to new believers:

Deciding to begin this journey was probably not easy, though hopefully with a joy-filled heart you made the decision to have a relationship with Jesus. Welcome!

You will experience a lot of criticism on this new journey from non-believers as well as believers (unfortunately), but the criticism that will hurt the most will come from the people you call friends. It hurts when the people you love and care the most about just don’t get it and don’t try to understand. Hopefully in time most will learn to accept it and be happy for you. The real question however is: What do you do with the friends that just don’t get it?

First, let me start off saying that it is not your job to convert everyone, though we are called to make disciples and share the good news. He will make these times clear to you, but don’t expect to magically make all your friends believers. Don’t change your focus from Jesus to your friends.

Even well-meaning friends can lead you astray if you let them usurp My place in your life. The way to stay on the path of Life is to keep your focus on Me. Awareness of My Presence is your best protection.

October 15th, Jesus Calling by. Sarah Young

Unfortunately some people are not meant to be in your life for the long-haul. But, with your heart seeking Him, He will make the separation easier by bringing people into your life that do get it. I had a very close-knit group of friends when I decided to become a follower. However, fear that I would judge them on their lifestyle caused them to slowly back away from me. Even my best friend at the time straight out told me that I was dumb for believing in God. I knew then that this friendship would not last. I tried to hold on for a while. Not talking about it and avoiding the topic at all cost. But I didn’t feel right. So I made the decision to stop hanging out with her.  It was one of the hardest times in my life. But I got through it with the help of Jesus who had already started mending the pieces by bringing me to people who did get it. Now, three years later, they are my weekly bible study group and some of my closest friends.

This doesn’t mean you have to drop all of your non-believer friends and surround yourself with all Christians. My best friend is a non-believer, but she loves and supports me regardless. A loving and caring support system is essential to your growth with Jesus.

“Iron shapes iron, so one person shapes another” (Proverbs 27: 17 )

 

 

Victoria Edwards has been part of Launch Ministry for three years. Between writing on her personal blog, working three jobs and having fun with friends, she stays busy!