Growing in Faith: How God Drew Me Closer Through Every Season

Faithful Beginnings

I have gone to church all my life. I was the person who was there every time the doors were open. I heard about Jesus from a young age, and I can remember walking the aisle more than once, responding to what I understood about following Him, though my faith would become deeply personal later.

During my teen years, I made many poor choices and carried a lot of regret, but I am so thankful God has forgiven me.

When Faith Became Personal

In November of 1987, at a spiritual retreat weekend, I made a true profession of faith—accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

I wish I could say I followed Him wholeheartedly from then on, but sadly I have often allowed my flesh to get in the way.

Don’t get me wrong, there have been many seasons of walking very close to God. But there have also been seasons of drifting far from Him—not because He moved. He is faithful even when I am not.

I want you to know God is a God who sees and knows us. He does not force His way in, but He invites us to draw near to Him, and He promises to draw near to us.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8

God has been so gracious to me through the years and continues to be gracious to me even now. I am thankful for a Father who loves me and desires what is best for me.

One of the ways He has grown my faith is through the gift of godly mentoring.

Learning Through Being Mentored

When I got married and my children were born, my mama became my spiritual mentor.

She showed me through her example how I could grow in Christ. She shared what God was showing her in His Word, and we prayed together. Through her life, I learned that spiritual growth often happens in relationship.

I believe all of us need someone in our lives who can help us grow stronger in our relationship with the Father.

My mama also lived out what Titus 2 describes:

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior… They are to teach what is good.” — Titus 2:3-5 (ESV)

Though these verses speak specifically to married women and mothers, I believe the principle applies to all women. We can all encourage someone toward what is good, toward self-control, kindness, and a life that honors God.

I am grateful for those who have poured into me, and I am learning how important it is to pour into others as well.

A Deeper Longing

There is a song I used to sing to my daughter taken from a Psalm:

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for You, O God.” — Psalm 42:1 (ESV)

This is how I want to spend the rest of my life—longing for God, longing for His holiness, longing to be more like Him.

I want others to see His light in me so they will glorify Him.

An Invitation to Reflect

What about you? When did you confess Jesus with your mouth and believe He is your Lord and Savior?

If you cannot remember a time, or you have questions about faith, please reach out. I would be honored to talk with you.

Are you being mentored—or mentoring someone in your life? God often grows us through faithful people He places beside us.

Friend, it is never too late to draw nearer to Him. He is always inviting us deeper.

If this encouraged your heart, I’d love for you to join me here at Beloved in Grace. Subscribe below to receive future reflections and walk with me as we continue growing in faith together.