November 28, 2007
Dear RTF and Suzie, I have recently wanted to be closer to God. My family does not go to church, and I don’t know if my sister even believes there is a God. I do believe there is one, but I need a starting point, and I don’t know where to begin, because I feel my life would be more meaningful if I had a closer relationship to God.
Please give me some ideas of how I can do this, I would greatly appreciate it. And also, can I do this without going to church, or would it be better to attend a church if I could? Because I actually do like to go to church, when I go with my grandma. Thank you so much. Erin H.
Hey Erin,
Knowing God does change your life, and it does give you purpose. I love your question, and the heart behind it.
When I was a teen I had family that didn’t believe in God; I still do. Most of them now run after God with all their heart, but some still have questions. They know that my faith is sincere, but some question whether God is real.
That’s an okay question to have, but many people stay right there. They simply question.
I took a step of faith. I didn’t believe in God, but I wanted to know if He was real. I invited Him into my life right there. I didn’t try to change anything first. I didn’t try to figure it all out. I simply opened my life to Him.
That’s the first step.
Erin, that changed everything inside of me, but not all at once. It was the beginning of a relationship. I had to learn to trust God. I had to learn who He was, and what it meant to have a Heavenly Father. That is a life-long journey. : )
I started reading the Bible (one great place to check out the Bible online is Studylight). I went to church so that I could have a spiritual family. I spent time talking to God–nothing formal, just telling him about my hopes, my fears, my failures, everything!
That has been over 30 years ago now, and that relationship has only deepened. I now know that God is real. I know that following Him isn’t about just hanging out at church (which is how a lot of people define faith — it’s so much more awesome than that). I know that the direction of my life, and even that of my childrens’ lives, have been impacted and shaped and directed by a deep faith and relationship with Christ.
If you have more questions, please feel free to come back anytime. Let me know what you decided, okay? Also, every Monday we post a Bible study so that teens can take their faith a little deeper. I hope you’ll check that out, too. Let us know if you need someone to pray for you, or just someone to encourage you. We are here!
Suzie E.
Debbie says:
Wow. I remember months ago feeling like Erin does now.
Erin, if you’re reading this: I got involved with the Lord and it’s totally changed my life!
I was burned out on church when I started hanging out with God. But after months of being around Him, I began to heal and I wanted to be around others who share my faith.
Takes my breath away some Sunday mornings when I think: “These people–they’re my family! I belong somewhere.”
Praise God! That somewhere is with Him!
Debbie
Cindi Hoppes says:
Hello, Many churches have fantastic youth group activities! My son has begun dating a girl who goes to youth group every Sunday evening. He hasn’t missed a meeting, yet! I have to admit that I was afraid he wouldn’t keep attending. Cindi