A Journey to God

One of the most frustrating things in the Christian walk is feeling like you’re not making progress in your relationship with God — or in different areas of your life.

As I meditated on this, I realized that for a long time, I felt like I wasn’t moving forward — not in my walk with God, and not even in my life in general. There are seasons we go through as young people, but at some point, you look back and wonder if you’ve accomplished anything at all.

Many people think that making progress in their walk with God means being in ministry, taking on a church role, or becoming a leader. While those things can be important parts of growth, they don’t define your spiritual advancement. Let me explain: every believer has one shared calling — to preach the Gospel to every creature and make disciples. This means sharing your faith, talking about Jesus, and testifying about what God has done in your life.

But today, it seems like many are more focused on reaching a title or position in ministry, rather than understanding that those things do not equal progress.

Your true advancement in the Lord is reflected in your relationship with Him — and I don’t mean praying in public or appearing holy in front of others. I’m talking about intentionally seeking God in secret, building intimacy with Him daily. That devotional life will begin to produce fruit worthy of repentance. That’s where your growth becomes visible — in your character, your obedience, and the way you carry yourself in everyday life.

God is always working in us. We are the clay, and He is the Potter, shaping us His way. Sometimes it feels like we’re not achieving anything, but we fail to realize that everything God allows in our lives, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, is something He’s using to equip us for where He wants to take us.

For a long time, I believed I would never reach what God had called me to do. I thought that when God spoke to me about my calling at a young age, everything would happen overnight. Fear consumed me, because I knew the responsibility that came with it, and honestly, I didn’t feel ready. That’s when God began to work in me in many different ways. At the time, I didn’t understand it — but now I can say that every single process was not in vain. I thought I wasn’t moving forward, but in reality, I was.

Along the way, God removed friendships — and I learned those friendships were keeping me from drawing closer to Him. I faced rejection — and I learned to depend on God instead of people. I went through pain — and it made me stronger. I learned to intentionally seek God and developed a hunger and thirst for His Word. I had moments of sadness and loneliness — but God showed me He was always there. And I learned that my feelings and emotions can never overpower my love for my Heavenly Father.

And through all of it, God continues to mold me — like a vessel in the Potter’s hands.

Even if it doesn’t look like it — this is called progress. Because I’m no longer in the same place I once was. We often think we’ve made it once we have a title or a ministry, but the truth is, real advancement is when your life with God starts producing fruit — fruit that begins to align your character and your walk with the great plans He has for you.

So don’t be frustrated if you haven’t yet stepped into the ministry God spoke to you about. Without even realizing it, your life is already a ministry, preaching through the way you live. Even if you don’t see it that way, you are already making an impact on the people around you.

And remember: Yes, you are moving forward. If you take a moment to reflect on who you were yesterday and who you are today, you’ll notice changes in many areas of your life. That’s evidence that — through the highs and lows — you’ve remained on the Potter’s wheel, and He’s still shaping you for greater things.

So don’t give up. Start noticing the beautiful things God has done in you — how He’s worked on your character, how He’s used you to bless your friends and family, how He’s placed dreams and burdens in your heart that you’re slowly developing, how He’s given you wisdom and understanding every time you read His Word. And how, even in pain or exhaustion, you keep seeking Him because you know there is no good outside of Him.

All of this — and more — is progress. So don’t stop. This is all part of the great purpose God has for your life.

If this spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded that their process matters — and that they’re not alone.