Part 4: First Steps After Saying Yes to Jesus

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”

— 1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

⸻

Saying yes to Jesus is the greatest decision you will ever make.

But it’s just the beginning.

Just like a newborn needs food, protection, and care to grow, you need the right things to grow strong in your new life with Him.

Not to earn anything — but to stay close to the One who already called you His.

You’re not starting a religion.

You’re stepping into a real relationship — one that will grow deeper and stronger, one day at a time.

⸻

1. Talk to God Every Day (Prayer)

You don’t need fancy words or a perfect script.

Just speak to Him — honestly, openly, constantly.

Tell Him your fears.

Tell Him your dreams.

Thank Him when you’re grateful.

Cry out when you’re hurting.

Ask Him for help, even when you’re not sure how.

Prayer isn’t a performance. It’s presence.

It’s you being with your Father, heart to heart.

Start simple:

“Good morning, Lord. I’m here. Help me walk with You today.”

He’s listening — even when you feel weak.

He loves hearing your voice.

⸻

2. Feed on His Word (Bible Reading)

The Bible isn’t just a history book — it’s the living, breathing Word of God.

It’s alive — and it speaks.

When you open it, you’re not just learning information.

You’re meeting the Author.

Start simple:

• Begin with the Gospel of John — the same place I started.

• Read a few verses each day.

• Ask, “God, what do You want me to see about You?”

You don’t have to understand it all at once.

Sometimes a single phrase will light something inside you.

Sometimes it’ll feel like a whisper you can barely catch.

That’s okay — His Word will grow in you, seed by seed.

If you are like me and you are real excited and eager to learn more go ahead and read the gospels like I did (cause I read all four Gospels that night before I passed out in the presence of God.) I read in this order and I suggest you do the same:

John, Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

I read the Book of Acts the morning after because it was the next book (since I had already read the Book of John) and it changed my life forever.

⸻

3. Stay Close to Community (God’s People)

You weren’t made to walk this alone.

You weren’t saved into isolation — you were saved into a family.

You’ll need people to walk with you — to pray with you when you’re weak, to celebrate when you’re strong, to call you back when you wander.

Look for a local church where:

• Jesus is loved and worshiped.

• The full Bible is taught.

• People are growing, not just attending.

You won’t find a perfect church — but you can find a faithful one.

Ask God to lead you — He’s good at connecting His sons and daughters.

There are a lot of church strategies out there and a lot of people will tell you to just pick one. Here’s what I did:

I prayed for God to pick one, because I didn’t trust my own choice. I prayed that He would lead me to one and He did! Twice!

The first time He sent my then friend, now wife, Niki to invite me to Easter Sunday service. We stayed at that church for 8 years until we had to move.

When we arrived where we live now, I did the same thing. I asked God to pick one, and He came through again. We have been at this church through multiple seasons of life 4 years and counting.

Neither of our church’s have been perfect.

Our first Pastor used to say it best: Church starts to be imperfect the second it get’s filled with people and I was the first one. That one testimony will save you years of being tied up with drama.

So trust God’s lead and pursue His direction.

⸻

4. Keep Saying Yes

There will be days when you don’t feel strong.

Days when old habits whisper.

Days when you wonder if anything is really changing.

That’s normal.

The Christian life isn’t about being flawless.

It’s about continually saying yes — again and again — to the One who already said yes to you.

Fall seven times? Get up eight.

He’s not counting your stumbles — He’s shaping your heart.

He’s faithful to finish what He started.

⸻

You’re Not Alone

You have a Father who loves you.

A Savior who walks with you.

A Spirit who lives inside you.

Some days it won’t feel dramatic.

Some days it’ll feel slow and small — like nothing’s changing.

But every time you turn your heart back to Him, even in weakness, you’re growing.

You belong.

You are His.

This is just the beginning — and He’s not finished with you yet.

⸻

Ready for your next step?

Read: Next Steps — Finding Family and Walking Strong →