Page 19 - First Steps 2023

And your faith—your confident trust in Jesus—is also a big, big deal.
The Bible also says this:

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone

who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards
those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Know this: Your good deeds are only good in that they can be moti-
vated by a desire to honor the God who is the exact definition of “good.”
You are invited into a saving friendship with Jesus not because you
somehow deserve it but because of his love and forgiveness.

And your faith in Jesus is anything but blind—it’s based on Scripture
and your relationship with him, a relationship that’s transforming you.

5. What to do when your confidence falters and you experience
doubt
Most Christians find their walk with Jesus is a series of ups and
downs. And for new Christians, sooner or later there comes a point that
can best be described as the “moment of discouragement.”
Actually, it’s a moment of discouragement—and it’s a big deal.
It’s a moment when following Jesus just feels too hard. When it
seems a prayer hasn’t been answered. When a problem you’ve taken to

Jesus persists.
It’s a moment new believers rashly decide to give up and walk away
from Jesus. At least for a moment, doubt gets the upper hand.
Two things if you’ve encountered that moment: First, Jesus forgives.
You can turn around and walk straight back to him.
And second, if you’ve not yet experienced that moment, don’t be
surprised if it someday grips you.

Doubt happens—and doubts can spring up from a variety of sources:
• A lack of trust (Can God really forgive my sins?)
• A lack of understanding (How can I be sure God exists?)

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