When Faith Feels New: What to Expect in Your First Year
So you said yes to Jesus. Maybe it happened in a moment of desperation, during a powerful worship service, or in the quiet of your own room at 2 AM. However it happened, welcome to the family!
But now what? If you’re feeling a little lost about what comes next, that’s totally normal. Nobody hands you a roadmap when you become a Christian, and sometimes it feels like everyone else got a manual you didn’t receive.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me during my first year of faith—the real stuff, not just the Sunday school answers.
The Honeymoon Phase (And When It Ends)
Those first few weeks or months might feel incredible. Every song makes you cry, every Bible verse feels personal, and you can’t stop talking about God. This is beautiful—and completely normal.
But then one day, you might wake up and… nothing. No goosebumps during worship. Prayer feels awkward. You wonder if it was all just emotion.
Here’s the truth: Feelings come and go, but God doesn’t. That initial high was real, but mature faith isn’t built on constant emotional highs—it’s built on daily choices to trust God even when you don’t feel Him.
You’re Going to Have Questions (And That’s Good)
Your brain is going to start asking questions. Hard ones. Why do bad things happen to good people? What about my friends who don’t believe? How do I know the Bible is true?
Don’t panic. Questions don’t make you a bad Christian—they make you a thinking one. God isn’t threatened by your doubts. Ask them out loud, research them, talk to mature believers. Your faith will be stronger for it.
The Learning Curve is Real
Everyone around you seems to know where books of the Bible are, when to stand during service, and what all those Christian words mean. Meanwhile, you’re still figuring out the difference between grace and mercy.
Breathe. Every mature Christian was once exactly where you are. Ask questions. Buy a study Bible with notes. Find a mentor. There’s no shame in being new—there’s only excitement about how much you’re going to grow.
Your Relationships Will Shift
Some relationships will get better as you become more loving, patient, and kind. Others might get harder. Your non-Christian friends might not understand your changes. Your family might be skeptical or even resistant.
This is normal and often temporary. Keep loving people well, but don’t be surprised if some relationships need time to adjust to the new you.
You’ll Mess Up (A Lot)
Here’s what no one tells you: becoming a Christian doesn’t make you perfect overnight. You’ll still lose your temper, make selfish choices, and struggle with the same old habits.
The difference? Now you have the Holy Spirit helping you recognize these things and change them. Growth takes time. Be patient with yourself the same way God is patient with you.
Find Your People
Don’t try to do this alone. Find a church where you can grow, even if it takes a few tries to find the right fit. Join a small group or Bible study. Surround yourself with people who are a little further down the road than you are.
Community isn’t optional in the Christian life—it’s essential.
Practical Next Steps for Year One
- Read daily: Start with the book of John, then maybe Psalms. Don’t worry about reading the whole Bible in a year.
- Pray simply: Talk to God like a friend. No fancy words required.
- Serve somewhere: Find one way to help others. It doesn’t have to be huge.
- Be baptized: If you haven’t yet, this is your public declaration of faith.
- Give generously: Even if it’s small, practice giving back to God.
The Best Part
You’re not just learning about God—you’re getting to know Him personally. Every day, He’s revealing more of His character, His love, and His plan for your life.
This first year will be full of surprises, growth spurts, questions, and beautiful moments of clarity. Embrace all of it. You’re exactly where God wants you to be.
A Prayer for New Believers
God, thank You for loving me enough to draw me to You. Help me grow in my faith one day at a time. When I have questions, lead me to answers. When I mess up, remind me of Your grace. Surround me with people who will help me grow, and use me to show others Your love. I’m new at this, but I’m all in. Amen.
What’s been the biggest surprise about your first year of faith? New believers learn so much from hearing each other’s stories.
Reading this took me straight back to my first year after saying yes to Jesus – it’s definitely like a honeymoon season at first but then the feelings level out and that’s when you figure out it isn’t just a high but a daily choice. I love that you mention it’s okay to have questions and doubts; I was constantly asking “am I doing this right?” and grateful for mentors who reminded me faith grows over time. My friendships changed too – some friends cheered me on, others didn’t get it – so joining a small group at church was a lifeline. Your list of practical tips is so helpful: starting with John and the Psalms made the Bible less overwhelming for me, and simple prayers and serving on a team were things I could actually do. Did you have any favourite devotionals or resources that made that first year feel less confusing? The encouragement to be baptized and give generously also reminds me it’s not about checking boxes but responding to grace. Thanks for normalising the ups and downs and for that prayer at the end – it’s comforting to know messy beginnings are normal.
The first year is definitely the honeymoon stage. It really stinks when that feeling goes away. I find it difficult getting t back; as if we need to be in afliction t get there again. LOL But no, it’s a place we should all stay in-the honeymoon season.