Have you ever lost track of your faith?
I recall those times when I was heavily into reading my bible on a regular basis along
with attending church every Sunday. At what point did it change for you?
Attending school while being a mother took a lot of my time and energy. I started to feel the constant demand of everything that I started searching for “things” I could cut off from my normal schedule.
At the time, cutting out attending church was the most “logical” to do. My home church I attended was about 35 minutes away from my home. Being a student, I didn’t have the means to constantly fill up my car to make it to bible study and church on Sundays. My thoughts were that “of course you don’t have to attend church to be within God’s word, so I’ll just read my bible on my own.” I did a good job at it, until slowly the time I dedicated to it diminished tremendously. Making excuses for myself, “school & family are taking up most of my time”, soon I was no longer reading my bible & other things filled up my time.
Have you ever pulled away from the good Lord’s word and immediately started feeling that disconnection? I don’t know about you, but it took me some time to really figure out that I NEEDED that connection with Jesus.
Having gone through an ugly divorce a couple of years back at that time, Jesus & my church people truly paved the way to strengthen my foundation as a newly single mother. I relied on that needed gathering time to be in a room of individuals that struggled with similar situations as I did. Listening to others conquer their fears provided me with hope that the future would be better & brighter. After I had done some healing, I decided it was time to look for a relationship.
Once I had disconnected from the word of God, I noticed I was looking for love in all the wrong places. I came across individuals whose intentions seemed good on the outside, but once I started looking for a deeper connection, our hearts were no longer aligned. It took a good 6 months of trying to work alone in my search that I desperately KNEW I was in need of God’s word & God’s people. I felt that tugging happening to my heart that caused an instant shift in gears.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. “ – Proverbs 3:5-6
That’s one of my favorite verses since I was given my very first bible at the age of 18.
I stopped searching for love and I let go of the hurt I had endured. Having several conversations with my loved ones and close friends, I knew the right choice was for me to dive into my work and Jesus’s word and let events occur.
A few months later, I came across an individual that respected my faith, accepted my current circumstances, & was willing to dive into a deeper stimulating conversation with me. We began dating shortly after, married a year later & had a beautiful baby girl. Many of you probably think, “Wow, that was pretty fast girl!” Truth is, I honestly felt as if I had known him my entire life.
Things you could possibly learn from:
I had to learn that someone’s faith did not need to be EXACTLY like mine. Sure, having this in common with your significant other can make things easier on your relationship, but as long as they are not trying to pull you away from your faith, I personally think you’re fine. Who knows, you may make an impression on them and get them to start joining you at church!
My home church that is far away from me is indeed one of the places that has made me feel so welcomed over the last 4 years. I believe that I may begin looking for another place to call my home that does not require traveling a far distance. It hurts to leave a place that I love, but as a loved one once told me, “The important thing is to be able to consistently get Jesus’s word on a regular basis. And if this church is just too far away causing you to not attend regularly, then you should look into finding another home with more of God’s people.”
At that time, I was in denial of doing so. We are stubborn as humans, but once again I feel God tugging at my heart and as a mother to 3 beautiful, fast growing girls, it’s time that I start recognizing that I should be establishing a foundation for them as well, not just my own selfish needs.
So today I leave you with some of my favorite scriptures that always cause me to think. This weekend I will make an attempt to visit a church that is closer to my home. If you’re experiencing similar circumstances, I suggest you grab ahold of that fear that’s driving you away and push it to drive you TOWARDS your next destination.
Take care guys. Until next time,
B. Settegast
“Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17