Make Your Faith Your Own

I love Psalm 46:5 and keep it displayed on a sign in my room as a constant encouragement and reminder.

“God is within her; she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”

Psalm 46:5

Last spring, I felt called to make my profession of faith. Over the summer, I dedicated time to studying who Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit are. Through this process, I watched my faith grow and become stronger.

Using the book, I Believe Study Guide: Getting Ready to Profess My Faith by Jessie Schut, I studied different passages in the Bible. Some of the passages I had read many times before, but each time I read the Scripture again, I would see it through new eyes and a different perspective. Some passages were brand new to me, and I enjoyed reading them multiple times throughout the year.

As part of the study, I reflected on thought-provoking questions and incorporated daily practices into my routine. For example, I now spend the first ten minutes of each morning reading one or two Bible verses to start my day. Before bed, I re-read the same verses to end my day. This has created a great routine for me.

I was intentional about choosing a mentor to help me prepare for making my profession of faith. I chose someone who has been an important role model and friend of mine. I chose this person because I knew she would challenge me in my faith. She shared so much more wisdom than what was written in the book. We planned to work together for an hour and it would turn into two. I learned so much more and was challenged throughout my journey because of her help and guidance. I am so thankful to have her as a friend and someone else to go to when I struggle in my faith or life. I have found that having a friend like this is so important. We all need people to go through life with and people we can be completely honest with.

I told my mentor throughout our time together that I wanted to deepen my faith and have it be my own faith. I got the chance to go in front of an Elder at my church, then in front of my whole church and profess my faith. It was a fantastic experience. It helped me feel my faith more fully and helped me to own what I believe.

Throughout my life, I have struggled to hear the Lord’s call for me and see Him in my day-to-day life. This is an area I still want to grow in. Since going through my profession of faith journey, I have heard the Lord’s call to me. I have also been seeking out the Lord, not just in times of trouble but throughout the day. I have a more steady prayer life, which has helped me grow in my relationship with the Lord. I have learned it takes daily practice to be a Christian. It can sometimes resemble a roller coaster. There are ups, downs, fast times, and slow times. You never know what is going to come your way, but I have learned to trust in God’s plan. I can trust that whatever happens is part of His plan. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

I am grateful how the past year of studying has strengthened my faith. I am experiencing things with fresh eyes, seeing God work in new and meaningful ways. Having a mentor has helped me grow in the Lord. I encourage everyone to find someone who will help challenge them to grow in their faith.

Lastly, I am aware I need to keep growing in my faith. I am willing to do this and staying active in my relationship with Jesus. If you feel the calling to make profession of faith and want to make your faith your own, it is a fantastic experience. You are never too old or too young to profess your faith.

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Psalms 31:24