Ever feel like you lost your “fire” for God? Your walk starts to slow down … maybe you are reading less, worshipping less, praying less, going to church less, etc. And then you start feeling worse and ashamed because you’ve been making time for everything and everyone else. 

I feel you. 

A few months ago (well … last year), I made the decision to slow my mornings down. And if you know me, then you know I am NOT a morning person. But, I really wanted to start the beginning of my days with God and start the day on the up and up. What better way to do that than with God? So, I would wake up a little earlier to get some Word in. I was also doing my weekly bible study with my friends. We meet regularly – weekly when we can. And I was also attending church every Sunday. 

After awhile I started doing fewer things that would bring me closer to God. I was doing the bare minimum – ONLY attending church on Sundays. But I wasn’t starting my days with prayer, nor reading consistently, and my weekly bible study paused as well.

And eventually, I was personally convicted by not STILL getting in my word. I was making excuses and choosing to do other things, especially on days when I probably needed it the most. I would allow outside noise – long work days, conflicts with others, bible study cancellations, me time, tv and books –  to discourage me from doing it anyway. 

But I’m learning that my walk with God is my OWN. Only I am responsible for my walk and how far I go. I must continue to get into my word, with or without distractions or encouragement. I must continue to push and encourage myself to seek a better relationship with God. Because at the end of the day, it’s me and God – no one else can walk this walk for me. 

And in the midst of not keeping up with my own journey, I started to feel ashamed. I started to feel discouraged, which in turn made me run away. And it made me feel worse because I was still making time for everything else while only doing the bare minimum for God.

Nevertheless, I picked up my bible again. 

The message I received was: God gives us the desire and power to do what pleases Him. But we have to submit to it. And to change our desires, we have to surround ourselves with Godly things. The more we surround ourselves with Godly things, the more we will yearn to be around those things. We just have to do our part and choose God, daily. This walk (your walk) is not a one-time decision and it involves continuing education. The more you read, the more you learn, and the more you learn, the more you will correct your actions.

See, I didn’t lose faith – but I did stop putting in the work. And I had to acknowledge that. I knew that it wasn’t the end of my journey, just a misstep. Picking up my bible put me back on course. 

And therefore, I don’t believe God is going to hold this against me (or you). God is forgiving and loving, regardless of my (your) faults. I believe that God loves my progress, despite how long it’s taking me. He never required perfection – only pursuit. As long as I continue to turn to Him, He will always welcome me with open arms.

And just like that … I received the message I needed when I finally picked up my bible again. 

I also recognize that while this relationship shouldn’t be taken for granted, I’m way farther along than I was a year ago. What would have taken me MONTHS, now took me a few weeks. To me, that’s growth … grace … and progress. 

TAKE AWAY:
You don’t need to have a perfect walk, but it should be continuous. Don’t be discouraged, just pick up where you left off, and put your best foot forward. 

In 2026, make the choice to keep going!

Written: 12/6/25