Week 23 - Cathy Mayer - A New Beginning

Starting a new journey can be both exciting and overwhelming, but I want to share the one thing that has truly anchored my life: my relationship with Jesus. Some people use the term Christian, but for me, it’s about being a believer and a follower of Christ.

If you’re someone who is just starting to consider what Christianity is all about, I want to share a few reflections on what this path really looks like.

A New Beginning

One of the most powerful things I’ve learned is that when you commit to Christ, you become a "new creation". It’s like your old life is finished, and a completely new one has begun.

Here are a few truths I lean on every day:

• You Are Never Alone: According to Romans 8, nothing in all of creation—not even death, life, or anything in our future—can separate us from the love of Christ.

• It’s a Work in Progress: I find so much comfort in knowing that God, who began a "good work" in me, will be the one to carry it through to completion.

• It Isn’t About Being Perfect: Even after deciding to follow Jesus, we still fail, mess up, and feel the weight of guilt. The goal isn't to be perfect, but to be in a relationship with the One who is.

Finding Grace in Failure

One of the most surprising things about this journey is realizing that God actually expects more failure from us than we expect from ourselves. He doesn't love us because we’ve finally become who we "should" be; He loves us exactly as we are right now.

As you get closer to Him, it’s like a light shining into the dark corners of your life—you might see your faults more clearly than ever. But the key isn't to wallow in that guilt. Instead, we are called to acknowledge those failures, thank Him for His forgiveness, and keep moving forward in His strength.

More Than Just "Preparing for Eternity"

People often think faith is only about what happens after we die, but it’s so much more than that. While Jesus doesn't promise a life of perfect health or constant success, He does promise to be a "loving father and best friend" right now.

He equips us for today by:

• Being a Comforter: He provides strength and comfort during our hardest times.

• Giving Us Identity: He molds us into people who can experience real joy, security, and purpose.

• Meeting Deep Needs: Only in His love are our deepest needs truly met, giving us a fulfillment that nothing else can provide.

To Whom is Your Life Worth Giving?

We all place our faith in something, trusting that it will eventually bring us a full and happy life. Whether you are currently thriving or feel like you're "down on your luck," the question we all have to face is: To what or to whom is your life worth giving?.

For me, the answer is simple: God made us for Himself, and He is the only one truly worthy of our lives.