Romans 12:2:
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
I have had the unique privilege of being born and raised in The Way Ministry. My parents have stood faithfully on the Word in this ministry for many years, and my siblings and I were blessed to be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and to become standing disciples. I have always noticed that this ministry is set apart from the rest. The root of everything we teach and do is the Word, and we live this lifestyle too. But, even though I was raised living the lifestyle of a Christian believer of The Way, I still had to grow and make my own freewill decision to believe and live my life for God.
When I was young, I had a tough time understanding on my own how to trust God, and many of the promises I was taught, I had a hard time grasping. My most frequent prayer to God was “to understand.” Another aspect of my life that caused discouragement in my desire for understanding was that I struggled in my school classes and did not excel academically. I had talent in art and music, but in all the “important” subjects, not so much. I had a lack of self-esteem and confidence, as well as several sources outside myself that caused frustration in my heart. An “I can do” attitude and renewing my mind had not yet become strengths.
For a short period of time before I reached my twenties, I became withdrawn and disengaged in household fellowships and the ministry. I began seeking fulfillment in all the wrong places, and before long I noticed that the path I was walking down was leading me away from God. At this point in my life, I had reached a major crossroads—to stay dormant or to take believing action to blossom and grow. As I turned back around towards God, He opened up a door.
The Branch I grew up in didn’t have many young people my age, so I decided to move to a different city and got involved in a Branch full of young people who loved God and were moving the Word. These believers showered me with love, friendship, and patience. My freewill choice to surround myself with dynamic young believers changed my life dramatically, and I received incredible deliverance. And the best part is, I grew in my understanding and maturity! As I renewed my mind and continued following God’s direction for my life, God was able to show me many truths I wasn’t grasping before. The greatest truth that God revealed to me in that season of my life was that studying the Word allows us to know God, knowing God allows us to trust Him, and trusting God allows us to believe the Word greater.
Proverbs 16:9:
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
Because of the Word I have learned in The Way Ministry, my understanding of God and the meaning of life continues to increase; I have developed confidence in my identity in Christ; I have recognized my long suits, and been able to utilize them to give; and there are many other ways my life has been enriched with blessings because of the Word taught. Joshua 24:15 says, “…choose you this day whom ye will serve….” I am very thankful that I chose to serve God and be a functioning disciple in the household of The Way.
Proverbs 4:18 [The Amplified Bible]:
But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day [to be prepared].