Today’s blog is written by a guest writer, Susan Dixon. You have previously heard a portion of her testimony in a blog titled “Guest Testimony”. She is a remarkable friend, a devoted wife and mother, and absolutely loves to serve her risen Lord. Susan felt led to share this topic of, “Who is carrying you, and who are you carrying?”

I gave my life to Christ at 21 years old. I meant it with all my heart and I was baptized a couple of years later. And yet, I was stagnant in my faith. I didn’t grow in my knowledge of scripture and had no concept of the true nature of God. I encountered Him on Sundays through my Pastor, and that was about it.

Sometimes, I think we make the idea of becoming a christian sound too easy. “Just pray this prayer and you’ll go to heaven.” Yes, technically that is true. If you profess with your mouth and believe in our heart that Jesus is Lord, you will see the other side of eternity. But there is so much more to this christian walk than that.

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
Ephesians 4:15-16

I have the sweetest mentor. She came into my life about 7 years after I came to Christ and I stumbled upon her in a way only God could ordain. She and I could not be more different and, to be honest, she was the last person I thought would become my mentor in Christ. I was craving a rabbi though. Someone I could follow in the ways of God and ask question of; someone I could share my struggles with and who could bring Godly perspective into my situation. Tami was this for me and so much more. She was filled with grace, with love, and with truth. She listened well and gave sound advice, and most importantly, she was willing to call me out on my junk when that was needed. I love and admire this woman so much for the seeds she has planted in me.

Who is carrying you?
If we’re going to grow in our faith, we need a support system of other believers who have gone before us. Our God is a God of relationship and He has created our faith to operate this way; in relationship with Him and with others. It is possible for you to read your Bible and understand it on your own. But I find that we understand it exponentially more when we are learning and discussing it with others. When we are willing to ask the questions we think are “stupid” and are met with kindness, understanding, and enlightenment, then the Bible doesn’t seem so intimidating. It requires humility to reach out to someone and say, “Lead me. Show me how you’ve gotten where you are in your relationship with God.” But the return on that humility is great.

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7

Who are you carrying?
As we’re growing in our faith, we are also called to reach behind us and support others. You don’t have to be a pastor or theologian to mentor someone in their faith. You need to be willing, and you need to be a Believer. You need to be OK with saying, “I don’t know, but let’s research it together.” No one expects you to have all the answers. Just be willing to come alongside someone else and let them witness how you are following Christ. Holy Spirit will guide you in the rest. Often times, it is the “teacher” who learns the most in these cases and you will benefit so much from witnessing your testimony helping others.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
1 Peter 2:9

Food for thought: Timothy was one of Paul’s disciples. Read through Paul’s writings to him and you will see how much love and respect Paul had for him. This is how we are called to love others.

Fun facts: We hear most about the 12 disciples of Jesus but He had many more than just the 12. Luke 10 tells us, “After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.”

Written by: Susan Dixon, Founder of Faith Journeys Non-Profit
https://www.faith-journeys.org

Photo by: Roya Ann Miller – Women walking in the desert