Deciding to follow Christ was one of the most natural choices I ever made. I was desperate for change, and God met me right where I was. In those first days, His presence was so clear. My enthusiasm soared, and I felt the Holy Spirit stirring inside of me.
But here’s what I’ve discovered: following Christ doesn’t get easier the longer you walk with Him. In many ways, it gets harder.
As I’ve grown, God has begun peeling back layers of my life I had buried — past hurts, false beliefs, unhealthy habits, and broken patterns. These things are painful to face, but they must be brought into the light so He can heal them.
Boundaries and Growth
Part of this growth has required setting boundaries — with myself and with others. That’s not easy. Sometimes those boundaries change relationships. Sometimes they hurt. But they are necessary for living a healthier, Christ-centered life.
It reminds me of Jesus’ words:
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 (NLT)
The truth about my past, my wounds, and my habits isn’t always comfortable. But facing it is the only path to freedom.
The Struggle With Prayer
I’ve also realized that my prayer life impacts everything. In the early days of my faith, I could spend hours in prayer, pressing in until I felt the Holy Spirit so strongly that I knew God was with me. Sometimes those sessions lasted over four hours.
Lately, my prayers have been shorter. The frequency is still there, but the depth is missing. And I can feel the difference. When I cut prayer short, I often miss out on the breakthrough that comes when I persist.
Jesus warned us of this very thing:
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7 (NLT)
Prayer requires persistence. The Spirit shows up in powerful ways when we refuse to quit.
Choosing Growth Over Comfort
Here’s the truth: following Christ means choosing growth over comfort. It means facing the parts of ourselves we’d rather ignore. It means setting boundaries that others may not like. It means praying longer, pressing deeper, and seeking harder when our flesh wants to quit.
But the reward is worth it. The Holy Spirit’s presence. The freedom of truth. The peace of obedience. The hope of transformation.
I may not be overflowing with enthusiasm right now, but I am confident. Confident that God will finish what He started in me (Philippians 1:6). Confident that as I lean into prayer and His Word, joy will return.
Reflection Questions
- What false beliefs or past hurts is God asking you to face right now?
- Do you need to set healthy boundaries in your life? With yourself? With others?
- How persistent is your prayer life? Do you stop short of breakthrough?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling me to follow You. I confess that sometimes it feels harder now than it did in the beginning. Help me face the wounds and habits that hold me back. Give me wisdom to set boundaries that honor You. Teach me to press deeper into prayer until I meet You there. Thank You for Your Spirit, Your truth, and Your promise to finish the work You began in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.