<h1 id="bee02790-f1f6-40d1-88ba-130dc6e7fb26" data-toc-id="bee02790-f1f6-40d1-88ba-130dc6e7fb26">What I Wish I Had Known When I First Became Born Again</h1><p></p><p>So, you’re born again—yay! Welcome to the greatest adventure of your life. But let’s be real for a second: no one hands you a Christian starter kit with step-by-step instructions. If they did, mine would’ve included a strong cup of coffee and a sticky note saying, “Buckle up, girl!”</p><p>Looking back, there are definitely a few things I wish someone had told me when I first said “yes” to Jesus. So, in the spirit of sisterly love (and saving you from a few facepalms), here are some things I’ve learned along the way.</p><h2 id="0bfdd3a9-fa33-4783-add7-dd18c3421f1a" data-toc-id="0bfdd3a9-fa33-4783-add7-dd18c3421f1a"><strong>1. You Won’t Turn into a Perfect Saint Overnight</strong></h2><p><br>I thought the moment I gave my life to Christ, I’d suddenly wake up with angelic patience, the wisdom of Solomon, and the ability to love my annoying neighbour unconditionally. Spoiler alert: I did not. Growth takes time! You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), but that doesn’t mean you won’t have struggles. Be patient with yourself—God sure is.</p><h2 id="3345d35b-8cdb-47ba-8790-7e4f8dfddb50" data-toc-id="3345d35b-8cdb-47ba-8790-7e4f8dfddb50"><strong>2. The Bible Is Not Just for Display Purposes</strong></h2><p><br>I had a beautiful Bible. It sat proudly on my nightstand…collecting dust. Eventually, I cracked it open and realized it’s actually filled with <em>life-changing</em> truth. If you’re wondering where to start, the book of John is a great beginning (bonus points if you highlight and take notes—future you will thank you!).</p><h2 id="c175879d-ac47-47aa-b153-d28e1c6aea51" data-toc-id="c175879d-ac47-47aa-b153-d28e1c6aea51"><strong>3. Prayer Isn’t a Fancy Performance</strong></h2><p><br>At first, I thought prayer had to sound poetic, like, “Oh Lordeth, Thou art most high and holy.” Turns out, God just wants an honest conversation. Some days, my prayers sound like, “Help!” or “Lord, I have no clue what I’m doing.” And guess what? He listens just the same.</p><h2 id="5b18cd2f-64b8-42d7-baea-48c6c94a3b27" data-toc-id="5b18cd2f-64b8-42d7-baea-48c6c94a3b27"><strong>4. Not Everyone Will Understand Your New Life</strong></h2><p><br>When I became a Christian, I expected a standing ovation. Instead, some friends looked at me like I’d joined a secret cult. It’s okay! Your faith journey is <em>yours</em>, and not everyone will get it. Love them anyway, pray for them, and let your life be a witness.</p><h2 id="ffa501c8-c0a4-46b7-bf57-9673298aa58f" data-toc-id="ffa501c8-c0a4-46b7-bf57-9673298aa58f"><strong>5. Church Is Not a Building—It’s a Family</strong></h2><p><br>I used to think “going to church” meant checking a box on Sunday morning. But church is more than pews and sermons—it’s about community. Find some Jesus-loving sisters who will encourage you, pray with you, and remind you you’re not alone in this walk.</p><h2 id="00cc5486-b9c9-4a74-9d6b-587e82f60fee" data-toc-id="00cc5486-b9c9-4a74-9d6b-587e82f60fee"><strong>6. The Devil Doesn’t Send Memo Warnings</strong></h2><p><br>I thought spiritual battles would come with a flashing red alert. Nope. They often sneak in as discouragement, doubt, or distractions (hello, social media rabbit holes!). That’s why putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) is <em>so</em> important—daily, not just when things get tough.</p><h2 id="7ab9c7e5-dad0-4c7b-b639-aa1b2a592f08" data-toc-id="7ab9c7e5-dad0-4c7b-b639-aa1b2a592f08"><strong>7. Grace. Grace. And More Grace.</strong></h2><p><br>You will mess up. You will forget to pray. You will say things you shouldn’t. And guess what? God’s grace covers it all. The enemy loves to whisper, “See? You’re not a real Christian.” But Romans 8:1 reminds us that there is <em>no condemnation</em> for those in Christ. So get back up, dust off, and keep walking with Jesus.</p><h2 id="63d64be2-02fc-457c-9402-9da587cb7f0e" data-toc-id="63d64be2-02fc-457c-9402-9da587cb7f0e"><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h2><p><br>If I could sit down with “baby Christian me,” I’d tell her this: <em>Enjoy the journey!</em> You won’t always get it right, but you are deeply loved by a God who never gives up on you. So keep seeking Him, keep growing, and remember—you’re not in this alone. Welcome to the family, sister!</p><p></p><p>PS, Because no-one handed me a Christian starter kit and many people I have spoken to have been in that same boat, I HAVE created a Christian starter kit, just for you!&nbsp; You'll find it as one of the programs I have developed in The Inspiration Club.&nbsp; You'll be able to get your hands on it when we launch.&nbsp; Sign up to the Watchlist to be informed as SOON as doors open.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://transformandthrive.deborahstonell.com/informed-when-go-live">https://transformandthrive.deborahstonell.com/informed-when-go-live</a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>

A lighthearted and honest look at the things I wish I had known when I first became born again—because let’s face it, navigating new faith can be a wild (but beautiful) ride!

What I Wish I Had Known When I First Became Born Again

1. You Won’t Turn into a Perfect Saint Overnight

2. The Bible Is Not Just for Display Purposes

4. Not Everyone Will Understand Your New Life

5. Church Is Not a Building—It’s a Family

6. The Devil Doesn’t Send Memo Warnings

Inspirational reads specifically written for Christian women  to empower their personal growth

What I Wish I Had Known When I First Became Born Again

What I Wish I Had Known When I First Became Born Again

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