Hi.
I'm Megan and new to these threads and new to being a Christian. I have always known about Christ thanks to my blessed grandmother who was for as long as I can remember a devoted christian. I have went down a very hard road though and have overcome a lot of obstacles along the way. I'm the only one on my side of the family who is a professed christian. I've done a lot of things that I am not proud of but am trusting in our savior to save me. I've been praying in earnest for a new heart and for new feelings because I do still have problems controlling anger and giving into to self will. Does anyone have any advice for me? I know that in order to be a christian you should repent and believe that you are saved by grace (Jesus's blood) and I know I'm a sinner and have come short of the glory of god. But what else? How do I know what god has planned for me? I know that some of you will say that I should pray and ask for god to show me what he has planned for me. But how will I know what his answer is? How do I over come these hateful feelings I get at times. I really want to live like Christ did and do right and be a light among people. But how? Can someone please help?
Hi Megan,
Welcome to the family, sister! The easy answer to your questions is that you can't do any of these things. You won't ever be able to control your temper, but God can help you control it. You won't be able to discern what God wants from you, but God will help you discern it. You won't be able to overcome your selfish desires, but God will help you overcome them. This is a good scripture to remember in your battle with our fallen human nature and self-will:
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit,
for apart from me you can do nothing.
The thing to remember is that now that you are born again you have a new, redeemed nature that is made in the likeness of Christ:
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
If the new has come, our old self has been put to death:
Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Romans 6:6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
Romans 6:7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.
Romans 6:8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
To that end we consider ourselves dead to sin:
Romans 6:11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
So the battle is already over, yet that doesn't mean temptations won't come. Though our spirit has been redeemed, the flesh is weak and our minds are usually all too willing to justify its desires. That's why we have to bring every thought captive to obey Christ:
2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God,
and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
We fight a daily battle with our carnal desires to please ourselves and live as we please, but God will give us the strength to overcome them if we submit our problems to Him. We have to give up the drivers seat to Christ and allow Him to take over so He can cleanse us and change us more and more into the person He created us to be.
This is a process and it will not happen overnight. Don't get frustrated if some aspects of your life don't immediately reflect your desire to serve Christ with all of your heart. That the desire is there is in some sense even more important because God can use that. If the desire of your heart is to serve Him and make Him first, He can make that happen for you. He will guide you step by step if you let Him.
Be patient also and trust that He is in control. Remember that you have an enemy who is trying to destroy you. He will throw everything and the kitchen sink at you to see what will stick. As you are offended, and hurt, and pushed around by these attacks, remember to forgive, bless, and love those who the devil has used unknowingly to harm you. You win the battle not by reacting from offense but forgiving every offense and sharing His love even with those who hate you.
Ephesians 6 will tell you more about battle and that it is not against flesh and blood but against all the powers of the kingdom of darkness which has great power in this world and through people who don't serve the Lord. Our God is greater, however. He got us the victory at Calvary, which means when you are in Christ, you are also victorious. He gave us authority over *all* the power of the enemy:
Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Never the less, the important thing is that our names are in the book of life. Remember that the Kingdom of Heaven is within you. You carry that everywhere you go and you are an ambassador of that Kingdom. This is the hope of the whole earth, that they could know Jesus and enter His Kingdom so they could be forgiven of their sins and live forever. The world doesn't know it, but that is what every single person was created to be part of. It is an awesome responsibility to carry that truth with us where ever we go.
There will be many other questions..remember the Holy Spirit lives within you and He will guide you into all truth:
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Pray and ask God to direct you to a good church and to bring godly people into your life to disciple you. Join a bible study in your area and get involved in what Christians are doing in your community. I have found that in serving God, He opens many doors and brings in many blessings.
Most importantly in your walk, read the bible every day. It is our spiritual bread and without it we starve. God will use His word to speak to you so be diligent to study and show yourself approved. Also, pray as much as you can. Pray about everything on your heart. It is communion with God, and part of how our relationship with Him develops. Be proactive and make time for God, because the world has no time for Him.
Remember also that when you sin, you can confess your sins to God and He will forgive your sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness because of the blood of Christ. (1 John 1:9). There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus so don't let the devil drown you in guilt when you mess up. Remember to be strong and of good courage, because God is with you. He didn't give you a spirit of fear, but of power love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) Don't fear man, fear God..and by that I mean a reverential awe and respect because He is God, and He is holy. Love God as well, with all of your heart, mind soul and strength. Well I hope this helps. Praying for you. God bless.
