Why does life get harder after giving your life to Christ? I found myself asking this question three months after my conversion, sitting alone in my apartment, feeling more challenged and isolated than ever before. It’s a raw and honest question that many new believers grapple with, yet few dare to ask out loud.
Our exploration will uncover several key aspects of this spiritual phenomenon: the reality of spiritual warfare and its intensification, the necessary process of character refinement, the dramatic shift in relationships and worldview, and the weight of living up to higher standards. Think of it like switching from casual jogging to training for a marathon โ suddenly, every aspect of your life requires more intention, discipline, and perseverance.
Just last week, my friend Emily asked me why her life seemed more complicated since becoming a Christian. As I shared my own journey and the profound purpose behind these challenges, I realized how many believers need to hear this message. The truth is, these increased difficulties aren’t a sign of something going wrong โ they’re often evidence that everything is going right.
1. The Spiritual Target on Your Back
Remember how peaceful life seemed before accepting Christ? It’s like I had been flying under the enemy’s radar, but the moment I declared my allegiance to Jesus, all hell broke loose โ literally. Within weeks of my conversion, I faced job challenges, health issues, and relationship conflicts that seemed to come out of nowhere. If you’re experiencing something similar, you’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not imagining it.
Peter warns us explicitly in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Before giving your life to Christ, you weren’t a threat to the enemy’s kingdom. Now? You’re a marked person. Think of it like switching sides in a war โ suddenly, you’re not just a civilian anymore; you’re an active participant in a spiritual battle.
The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world.” This isn’t meant to frighten us but to prepare us. Just last month, my colleague Kylie noticed that every time she decided to start a Bible study group at work, unprecedented problems would arise. Understanding this spiritual targeting helped her persist through the opposition rather than give up.
The good news? We’re not defenseless. Jesus himself faced intense spiritual warfare after His baptism (Matthew 4:1-11), showing us that opposition often follows commitment. But He also showed us how to overcome โ through the Word of God, prayer, and standing firm in our faith. James 4:7 gives us this powerful promise: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
2. The Process of Character Refinement
The day I brought my first gold necklace to a jeweler for cleaning, I was shocked by how rough the process looked. “You’re not damaging it?” I asked anxiously. “No,” the jeweler smiled, “I’m restoring its true beauty.” This perfectly illustrates what happens when we give our lives to Christ โ God begins a refining process that might look and feel uncomfortable but is absolutely necessary for our transformation.
James 1:2-4 puts it this way: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” God isn’t punishing us; He’s perfecting us. Just like that jeweler knew exactly how much pressure to apply, our Father knows precisely what we need to become more like Christ.
I remember crying out to God during a particularly difficult season, wondering why everything seemed harder than before. Then I read Romans 5:3-4: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” This completely shifted my perspective. Each challenge wasn’t just a random hardship; it was a carefully crafted opportunity for growth.
Think about a grape vine. John 15:2 tells us that “every branch that bears fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” The pruning process looks destructive โ cutting away seemingly good parts. But any vineyard owner knows this temporary pain leads to greater fruitfulness. Similarly, God’s refining process in our lives, though sometimes painful, always serves a greater purpose.
3. The Shift in Worldview and Relationships
“We used to have so much fun together. What changed?” My best friend’s words hung heavy in the air as we sat in our favorite coffee shop. What had changed was me โ or rather, my entire perspective on life. After giving my life to Christ, activities and conversations that once seemed normal now felt empty or uncomfortable. This relationship shift is one of the most challenging aspects of the Christian walk.
The Bible speaks directly to this transformation in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse sounds beautiful until you realize it often means growing apart from people who were once central to your life. I found myself feeling like a foreigner in familiar places, experiencing what Peter describes in 1 Peter 4:4: “They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”
But here’s the beautiful part โ while some relationships may fade, God begins to bring new connections into your life. When I started attending a small group at church, I met people who understood this journey because they were on it too. Romans 12:2 explains this transformation: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal affects everything โ your values, your interests, your entertainment choices, and yes, your relationships.
For those struggling with this shift, remember Jesus’s words in Mark 10:29-30, promising that everyone who has left relationships for His sake will receive a hundred times as much in return, along with persecutions. The key is understanding that this relational restructuring isn’t a loss but a realignment with God’s purposes for your life.
4. The Weight of Higher Standards
“I didn’t have to think twice about my words before,” my friend Tom confessed during lunch. “Now, every joke, every comment, every social media post โ I feel this weight of responsibility.” I knew exactly what he meant. When you give your life to Christ, suddenly you’re not just living for yourself anymore โ you’re representing God’s kingdom, and that comes with higher standards that can feel overwhelming at times.
Jesus sets this standard clearly in Matthew 5:48: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Talk about pressure! But this isn’t about achieving flawless perfection; it’s about pursuing growth and holiness. James 3:1 warns that teachers will be judged more strictly, but in a sense, all believers face increased accountability because we’re all witnesses of Christ’s transforming power.
I remember my first business trip after becoming a Christian. Previously, I would have joined colleagues for drinks and questionable entertainment without a second thought. Now, I found myself explaining why I was choosing different activities. 1 Peter 2:12 guided me: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God.” What felt like an uncomfortable spotlight became an opportunity for witness.
The beautiful paradox is that these higher standards, while challenging, actually protect us. Ephesians 5:8-10 reminds us: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” When we embrace these standards rather than resisting them, we discover they’re pathways to freedom, not burdensome restrictions.
5. The Journey of Faith Development
Have you ever watched a baby learning to walk? There’s a lot of falling, crying, and getting back up again. My journey of faith development after giving my life to Christ looked remarkably similar โ plenty of stumbling, tears, and determination to keep going. This process of developing robust faith isn’t just about surviving challenges; it’s about learning to thrive through them.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please God,” but what many don’t realize is that faith is like a muscle โ it needs resistance to grow. Think about Abraham’s journey. Genesis 22 records God asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac โ an ultimate test of faith that came after years of smaller faith-building experiences. Similarly, our faith journey involves progressive challenges that build our spiritual strength.
I remember feeling discouraged when, six months into my Christian walk, I faced a major financial crisis. But a wise mentor pointed me to James 1:3-4: “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This perspective transformed my crisis into a faith-building opportunity.
2 Peter 1:5-7 outlines this growth process beautifully: “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” Each challenge we face contributes to this development, making our faith more resilient and real.
Remember David’s words in Psalm 119:71: “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Just last week, I met with a new believer struggling with doubt during a difficult season. As I shared how my own trials had strengthened my faith rather than weakening it, I could see hope rekindling in her eyes. The journey of faith development isn’t about avoiding difficulties but learning to see them as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper trust in God.
What To Do Afterwards: Practical Steps for Thriving in Your Christian Walk
Last Sunday, I sat with a group of new believers who were feeling overwhelmed by their Christian journey. “I wish someone had given me a spiritual survival guide,” one of them sighed. Well, while there’s no one-size-fits-all manual, here are battle-tested strategies that have helped countless believers not just survive but thrive through the challenges.
1. Establish a Strong Spiritual Foundation
– Start your day with God (Mark 1:35)
I’ve found that setting my alarm 30 minutes earlier for quiet time makes a massive difference in how I handle daily challenges.
– Develop a consistent prayer life
– Create a Bible reading routine that works for you
2. Build Your Support System
– Join a local church community (Hebrews 10:24-25)
– Find a spiritual mentor
– Connect with other believers facing similar challenges
When I joined a small group of professionals navigating their faith at work, everything changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t alone in my struggles.
3. Develop Spiritual Disciplines
– Practice regular fasting
– Learn to worship during difficult times
– Keep a gratitude journal
“In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) became real when I started writing down three blessings each night, especially on hard days.
4. Create Healthy Boundaries
– Learn to say no without guilt
– Protect your time with God
– Choose environments that support your faith
I had to make tough decisions about certain friendships and activities, but the peace that followed was worth it.
5. Stay Armed for Spiritual Warfare
– Memorize Scripture for spiritual battles
– Put on the full armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:11-18)
– Learn to recognize and resist enemy attacks
Having key verses memorized has saved me countless times when facing temptation or doubt.
Remember Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” The challenges you’re facing aren’t signs of failure; they’re opportunities for growth. Every giant in your path is an opportunity to develop giant-killing faith.
Think of your spiritual growth like training for a marathon. The process might be uncomfortable, but each challenge builds endurance for the journey ahead. As James 1:12 promises, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
The key isn’t to avoid hardship but to approach it with the right perspective and tools. These practical steps, when applied consistently, help transform what could be overwhelming obstacles into stepping stones for spiritual growth. Remember, you’re not just surviving this journey โ you’re being transformed through it.
Conclusion:
The challenges that come after giving your life to Christ aren’t punishments or signs of failure โ they’re opportunities for growth, refinement, and deeper faith. Just as a diamond requires pressure to form, our spiritual lives often need these difficulties to develop genuine, lasting faith. While the journey may be harder than expected, it comes with the promise of purpose, growth, and ultimate victory. Remember, God doesn’t call us to an easy life but to a meaningful one, where every trial serves as another step toward spiritual maturity and closer relationship with Him. The key isn’t to avoid these challenges but to understand their purpose and learn to thrive through them, knowing that each difficulty is shaping us into who we’re meant to become.
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