Baby Steps: Forming a Relationship with God
Many people go through life without fully recognizing God's presence. Though they may be familiar with Him, they often settle for a surface-level connection, rationalizing their relationship with God. Deep down, they might sense that truly encountering Him could bring about a profound transformation, which can feel both intimidating and overwhelming. The gap between their current state and the potential for change can stop them from seeking a deeper relationship, often due to a natural fear of facing unresolved trauma, confronting personal flaws, or fear of the unknown, change, or losing control. These fears can hold them back from experiencing the fullness of a spiritual life.
On top of fear, many shy away from God out of guilt or shame, feeling that they are too sinful or unclean to be in God's presence. Some believe it's too late to seek Him. But the good news is that it's never too late to pursue God. He is always waiting with open arms. The Bible tells us that we don’t need to be perfect to come to God; instead, we come as we are—broken, dirty, and burdened—and He is the one who cleanses us. “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). Whether you are a Christian who once had a relationship with God or someone who has never known Him, God is ready for you. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
As early believers it can be difficult to understand that faith in God also means accepting the spiritual reality that accompanies His existence. This requires stepping out of our rational, human mindset and entering a place of faith and spirituality that transcends human comprehension. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). This shift can be intimidating, especially in a world that often ridicules spiritual belief as irrational or extreme. It’s understandable why people feel insecure about embracing faith, particularly in a society saturated with media that presents distorted or spiritually unhealthy content.
But this is why God is so crucial. He is the rock on which grounded thought and wisdom are built. Even at a basic level, the teachings of Christianity offer peace, security, and a moral compass. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Many people appreciate the benefits of Christian principles without fully believing in the spiritual truths found in the Bible. They desire the peace but hesitate to embrace the faith. This hesitation is understandable because the spiritual world can seem frightening without faith. Surrendering to God requires letting go of control, which the carnal mind clings to for comfort.
This comfort—the false security we create by not fully submitting to God—often keeps us from true spiritual growth. Instead of seeking Him, we busy ourselves with work, hobbies, or distractions, silencing the soul’s thirst for something greater. Yet Jesus reminds us, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
How, then, does one begin to know God if they feel distant from Him? There are two paths: either God finds us, or we seek God. Seeking God means praying, even when we don’t fully understand what we’re asking for. It means reading the Bible, even when the words seem difficult to grasp. It means having faith, even when the foundation feels shaky. Jesus assures us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). In these moments, when we take the first steps toward faith, God begins His transformative work within us.
When our faith in God surpasses our faith in ourselves, He starts to shape us into something new. Jesus teaches that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). As we take these steps of faith, our trust in God deepens, and we discover spiritual depths we never knew existed. With Jesus in our lives, we remain God’s children, always learning and growing. Just as a baby experiences the world with awe—discovering new things at every turn—so must we approach God with humility and openness. “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
When we become children of God, our focus shifts from this temporary world to the eternal. We begin to view life through a heavenly lens. Suffering, which once seemed unbearable, now has meaning because we trust that everything has a purpose. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). With this divine perspective, we feel safe, guided, and protected by God every step of the way. Imagine the peace that comes from knowing that rather than seeking perfection in ourselves or the world, we can rest in the care of a loving God who watches over us—even when we are unaware.
This release from fear allows us to live freely in a way that the rest of the world can barely comprehend. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). Today is the day to begin seeking something deeper with God. You don’t need to have everything figured out or be free from doubt. Building a relationship with God is a gradual process—a transformation that happens so gently you may not notice it at first. But rest assured, God leads us with love, patience, and gentleness. Start today, and don’t look back. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). God will guide you as you take your first steps toward Him, and He will always be there with open arms.