Congratulations on giving your life to Christ. This is the best decision you'll ever make, and you are in for miraculous changes to your life. You may not see them right away but a few years from now when you look back on where you were you'll notice how much God has worked in your life.
I imagine right now you might be puzzled however as to where to get started on this new path of salvation. Well, there's no right or wrong answer, or specific steps to get you there, but these are some things you can do to help jump-start your journey of faith. Hop in, it's going to be a great ride.
Put Your Trust In The Lord
The best thing you can do is seek counseling from God himself. That's right, you being a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) in Christ, you now have access to the Father to develop a relationship with him (John 14:6). Ask God what He wants for you next for he says, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
Build A Relationship With God
There are many things you can do to grow your relationship with God:
- Be Obedient - Jesus said in John 14:15, " If you love me, keep my commandments." This includes loving your neighbor (Matthew 22:29), forgiving others (Colossians 3:13), and avoiding sin, and temptation(James 4:7). If you are unfamiliar with how to do these that's okay, ask God to show you the way (James 1:5 & Psalms 25:4-5).
- Read your bible - This is a living word that provides God's truth at our fingertips (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This is one way that God might encourage you to learn his commandments. They are all in here. The Bible has so many other important purposes such as many times God answers your prayer through His living word (Hebrews 4:12), it will help you know who God is and Who you are as a child of God, and it showcases examples of how to live and how not to, and more. It's important that we get in the word every day so we can spend time with God.
- Pray - This is how we communicate with God. He hears everyone and will respond (1 John 5:14). He may not do it right away, or the way you thought but He will answer you. He might even give you something better than what you ask for. Prayer is not only a way to ask for things, but to give praise, and simply talk with the Lord (Ephesians 6:18). Remember He is the Almighty God, but He is also our Father (John 1:12) and wants a relationship with us, which we grow through prayer.
- Worship Him - Anything can be a form of worship if you are giving thanks and praising his holy name. Often times this will be through music(Psalm 95:2), but can also be a recital of a Psalm, and rejoicing in your heart.
- Listen for his response - Many times we expect God to respond to us in a thunderous roar but that's not usually how he does. He is an intimate God with each and every one of us. Sometimes he'll put something heavy on your heart, or he'll whisper in your ear, he might even speak by scripture (again, it is a living word). Sometimes, He won't speak at all but all of a sudden you will have clarity and understanding. He may come by way of dreams (be careful with this one because not all dreams are from God. The biggest thing that has helped me discern this is asking myself if it came with peace, and asking God in prayer if it's a dream from Him). In any way He responds feeling His presence is such a wonderful feeling and you will never be the same, so have your ears open.
Ask Another Believer
Remember you're not in this alone. First, God is with you every step of the way (Deuteronomy 31:6), and second, there's a whole community of people who have also given their life to Christ and are on their own walk with God. They have wisdom they would love to share, so do ask them for advice (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Sometimes the Lord will speak through those around you. The best place to find other Believers is to attend Church or Join a small group (usually from a church).
As a final note, remember Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."