5 Things I Wish I Knew in My First Year as a Christian
One woman's faith journey and encouragement for new believers
I remember the exact day that I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, and every moment of clarity and confusion for the year that followed that transformational day.
A misconception many have is that the decision to follow Him immediately fills a new believer with a surplus of optimism, joy, and ease compared to life before. The truth is, I experienced an equal amount of strife, challenge and grief that I wasn’t prepared for. Members of the church were welcoming and kind. Yet, I didn’t easily find someone to walk me through what to do next or how to navigate leaving my old life behind… and it was no secret that I was chasing after God!
Here’s what I wish I would’ve known in my first year as a Christian:
You don’t have to have it all figured out — and you have permission not to.
I thought being a Christian meant I had to know it all: how to pray, the lyrics to the classic worship songs, memorized Scripture, and a solid theological understanding. I felt silly asking basic questions, and I felt pressure to defend my decision to follow Jesus with family and friends.
What helped most were people who didn't flinch at my questions — and better yet, those who went out of their way to grab a coffee and chat. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:2 that he gave believers "milk, not solid food" because they weren't ready for it yet. You are not behind. You are not failing. The term "baby Christian" is a real thing — and it is not an insult. It is a beautiful place to begin.
Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith.
My encounter with God was very real. At that moment, He felt closer to me than my own skin. Weeks later, the doubt crept in because the world is a loud place, and I didn’t know how to hear His quiet voice within it. “Do I really believe?” I often wondered, and felt guilty.
A trusted friend reminded me that Jesus doesn’t rebuke us for asking questions. David repeatedly wrestled with God, openly and honestly in Psalms. Even John the Baptist sent people to ask Jesus if he was The One in Matthew 11! Your questions are not a sign of weak faith — they are the beginning of deeper faith. Bring them to Him.
Growth is slow — don’t rush it or measure it by the wrong things.
Although a heart change is often instantaneous, sanctification typically takes much longer. The Lord doesn’t expect us to be perfect, for He is the only perfect man to have lived. The Holy Spirit convicts us of different things and in different seasons. Be patient with yourself, and trust that God is working on you, and those around you in special ways.
Not everyone will accept your decision right away, or ever.
I thought “my people” would unanimously support my decision to follow Jesus because… well, why wouldn’t they? Unfortunately, I’ve had to grieve relationships, set difficult boundaries, and felt misunderstood a lot.
Jesus said in John 15, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”
You are never alone when you have Him. God is with you, always.
You can’t do this alone — and it’s okay to ask for help.
Discipleship is not as readily available as you think, and its easy for others to assume someone has been discipling you. If you are in your first year of faith and you need more guidance, be bold and ask for help! Reach out to your pastor, or someone that is walking with Jesus the way that you hope to. I promise they want to help you with the next steps.
You were not designed to walk through this in isolation. We are all called to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Someone in your community is ready and willing to walk this path with you — let them!
About the Author
Victoria Miller
Director, Development & Communications
Victoria wholeheartedly believes that true wellness is rooted in faith and focused on the whole person. She feels privileged to be part of making hope & healing accessible to everyone in need through her work at In Him.
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