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LilyLola

New member
Jul 7, 2025
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Hello, Im Lily, I'm 19 years old and i come from a very secular country and family. For months now, I have been very interested in Christianity. I always was more pulled to religion than most people here, but I never acted on it, like praying or reading the bible, until now. But I have come across a difficult part and that is telling others im Christian now. My mom was recently talking about something related and I told her it has been proven, even by non-believers that Jesus exists. She hadn't heard of it but answered that that was possible, but all the mircales like turning water into wine and healing the blind not. I hadn't really given it much thought but I do agree it sounds strange, especially because I always grew up thinking this is just a fairytale, but now I am more serious about this. How do you guys stay strong in faith? And how should I tell my mom and family, without them thinking I have gone absolutely insane?
Blessings
 
Hello, Im Lily, I'm 19 years old and i come from a very secular country and family. For months now, I have been very interested in Christianity. I always was more pulled to religion than most people here, but I never acted on it, like praying or reading the bible, until now. But I have come across a difficult part and that is telling others im Christian now. My mom was recently talking about something related and I told her it has been proven, even by non-believers that Jesus exists. She hadn't heard of it but answered that that was possible, but all the mircales like turning water into wine and healing the blind not. I hadn't really given it much thought but I do agree it sounds strange, especially because I always grew up thinking this is just a fairytale, but now I am more serious about this. How do you guys stay strong in faith? And how should I tell my mom and family, without them thinking I have gone absolutely insane?
Blessings

Hi, welcome to the forum. Glad you're here!

I don't really know how you should approach your family. But as for staying strong in the faith, reading God's word is one of the best ways. You are what the Bible describes as a new-born babe in Christ. God's word is spiritual nourishment that will help you grow strong and mature in Christ.

Best wishes and God bless.
 
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:)
Perhaps one should be gradual in announcing the change of heart
and thoughts towards God, and let your actions and way of life be
a testimony. I have learned over the past twenty-five years of my spiritual
journey that it will eventually be asked why the change, and with sound
experience seems easier to explain. A walk with God is not an easy path;
never believe otherwise. Be assured well worth the challenges, believe it.
 
Hi LilyLola. Welcome!
Let's look at Jesus first miracle, at Cana in Galilee, when He turned water into wine.

John 2:11
11Jesus performed this, the first of His signs, at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.


If you read the short narrative of the account, it tells you that no one knew where the wine came from except the servants that obeyed Jesus after His mother, Mary, told them, "Do whatever He tells you (John2:5)."

Jesus' glory was only revealed to those servants that did what He said, and to His disciples. Of course, Mary was already familiar with His glory, because only she knew, without any doubt, that she was a virgin when she was found with child. And I think that His glory needed to be revealed to His disciples early on considering the difficulties they'd be facing in eventually taking the Gospel to the world, and that kept them faithful throughout their troubles. But I think, for most of us, His glory is revealed, first, within our troubles that are usually at least a little more pressing than just running out of wine putting a damper on our celebrations. So, with that in mind, that while you may be the only one that sees His glory at this time, you can, whenever you find opportunity, offer that bit of faith to them as a keepsake for a time that they may find it is needed most.

You might have seen the LOTR series based on the books by a Christian author, JRR Tolkien, and the producer of the academy award winning cinematic trilogy, Peter Jackson, refused to accept funding from Production companies to compromise the author's vision and deviate from his original version while making the movies until a very wise company offered him all that he needed to complete his vision. And I believe that there is a scene that illustrates the gift that you can offer and trust that they will remember it. When Frodo is selected to carry the One Ring, Lady Galadriel gifts him the Phial of Galadriel, also known as the star-glass when she fills a crystal phial with water from her fountain, and it contains the light of Earendil's star. Frodo's first use of it was to ease the thought of the One Ring when the witch-king's army was upon them which demonstrated its power to provide light in dark places.
 
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Hello Lily (@LilyLola), welcome to CChat! I'm glad that you found us and joined in the discussions with us :)

As far as growing up and staying strong in the faith, the Christian spiritual disciplines are meant to help us with that, things like Bible study, prayer, fellowship and witnessing, that is. Start with daily Bible study and prayer. Have you read through the Bible yet? If not, it would be a good idea to begin to do so!

Here's a site that you may find helpful in a number of ways: www.biblegateway.com

As you're reading through the Bible, it would also be a good idea to read a smaller portion of the Bible each day, a verse or a passage, or even a chapter, so that you can also begin to take a closer look at the things God is saying to you in His word, too (if you've not read it yet, I'd recommend beginning with the Gospel of John).

This is also a wonderful time to have a dialogue with God as 1. He speaks to you from the Bible and 2. you respond back to Him in prayer (about what you are reading, or about anything else that comes to mind, because the Christian life is all about relationships with others, the principal one being the relationship that we have with our loving, heavenly Father :)).

There's a short story in the Bible that you may find interesting, because it speaks to this matter (of what the Lord deems to be most important for each one of us, as there are SO many things that vie for attention throughout the day). In fact, as a new Christian, I believe that this (growing in the knowledge and understanding of God, His word/the Bible and the Christian faith) needs to be, far and away, your principal focus right now.

Here you go.
Luke 10
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him.
39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.
40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,
42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
God bless you!! (Numbers 6:24-26 .. Psalm 1:1-3; Romans 12:2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

~Deuteronomy (David)
p.s. - as wonderful as a place like CChat is, face to face fellowship with other believers is even more important, especially for new believers, so try to find a church to join, as the Lord wants us to be under the teaching and the authority of the visible church, and He never intended for any of us to live the Christian life apart from other believers .. cf 1 Corinthians 12
(see exp v12-30).

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Hello, Im Lily, I'm 19 years old and i come from a very secular country and family. For months now, I have been very interested in Christianity. I always was more pulled to religion than most people here, but I never acted on it, like praying or reading the bible, until now. But I have come across a difficult part and that is telling others im Christian now. My mom was recently talking about something related and I told her it has been proven, even by non-believers that Jesus exists. She hadn't heard of it but answered that that was possible, but all the mircales like turning water into wine and healing the blind not. I hadn't really given it much thought but I do agree it sounds strange, especially because I always grew up thinking this is just a fairytale, but now I am more serious about this. How do you guys stay strong in faith? And how should I tell my mom and family, without them thinking I have gone absolutely insane?
Blessings
I suggest that you stay close to Jesus. Study the Bible and ask God to show you the meaning of what you are reading. It's good to be able to preach the gospel. It's just as important for your life to match what you are preaching. Love your family. Be helpful around the home. Ask Jesus to cause you to be the person He wants you to be. Ask God for wisdom. Let them see that you are different.
 
Hello, Im Lily, I'm 19 years old and i come from a very secular country and family. For months now, I have been very interested in Christianity. I always was more pulled to religion than most people here, but I never acted on it, like praying or reading the bible, until now. But I have come across a difficult part and that is telling others im Christian now. My mom was recently talking about something related and I told her it has been proven, even by non-believers that Jesus exists. She hadn't heard of it but answered that that was possible, but all the mircales like turning water into wine and healing the blind not. I hadn't really given it much thought but I do agree it sounds strange, especially because I always grew up thinking this is just a fairytale, but now I am more serious about this. How do you guys stay strong in faith? And how should I tell my mom and family, without them thinking I have gone absolutely insane?
Blessings
Hello LilyLola, and welcome to CC! As many others have suggested, you should read The Word and pray, God will hear your prayers and guide you through this season. Also, as others have suggested let your actions speak louder than your words. Your family will notice the change, and this is when you tell them the wonderful reason for the changes in your actions and perspective on life!

I stay strong in faith by reading the word daily, even if it is just a verse or passage. YouVersion is a wonderful Bible App available for Android or iPhone that helps me. Praying daily, not just about the big things, but all things. Pray to God for Him to be your strength when worldly desires enter your heart, even just for the air in your lungs! He hears all that we have to say, and what is on our hearts.
 
Welcome to CC LilyLola so glad the Lord led you here! When we realize God spoke everything into existence we can see that truly 'all things are possible with Him'. Be a Jesus they can see, as the song goes and show the love of Jesus for all. I watch the one yr Bible each day and watch TBN plus listening to a few faith preachers. God bless you and yours and keep pursuing God's high calling!🌹🙏✝✡
 
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Hello, Im Lily, I'm 19 years old and i come from a very secular country and family. For months now, I have been very interested in Christianity. I always was more pulled to religion than most people here, but I never acted on it, like praying or reading the bible, until now. But I have come across a difficult part and that is telling others im Christian now. My mom was recently talking about something related and I told her it has been proven, even by non-believers that Jesus exists. She hadn't heard of it but answered that that was possible, but all the mircales like turning water into wine and healing the blind not. I hadn't really given it much thought but I do agree it sounds strange, especially because I always grew up thinking this is just a fairytale, but now I am more serious about this. How do you guys stay strong in faith? And how should I tell my mom and family, without them thinking I have gone absolutely insane?
Blessings

Something else occurred to me this morning regarding how to approach your family. Wait for your moment. Timing is important for most things in life. Don't try to force it; just wait for the right time and you'll know what to say and how to say it.

Best wishes!
 
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Welcome!
:)
 
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Welcome to the faith!!! Life long journeys are taken one day at a time, one step at a time. Many atheistic
historians acknowledge the fact that Jesus walked this world 2,000 years ago. Yes, what is contested
even more is the miracles He performed. Those are connected to His divinity. Reading the Bible is
important as others have suggested, and you may also enjoy watching movies.



^ Gospel of John is often recommended as a great place to start reading the Bible.
This movie is a word-for-Word portrayal of John's gospel.


Also, please check out the Alpha Course.




There are 10 videos total, answering a lot of questions about faith, Christianity historically and in the modern
world, the estate of man, and God's design for humans. I hope you watch them. They could benefit you greatly
.:)
 
She hadn't heard of it but answered that that was possible, but all the miracles like turning water into wine and healing the blind not ([un-proven]). I hadn't really given it much thought but I do agree it sounds strange, especially because I always grew up thinking this is just a fairytale, but now I am more serious about this.
Thank you members for these contributed thoughts thus far to 'LilyLola's' excellent intro.

As far as resting confidently in the proof that Jesus did numerous miraculous acts, I would like to describe something else I myself keep in mind, for we all have run into doubts. Those "proofs" we would prefer are actually presented to us as far as God thought necessary due to three New Testament truths. Clearly, from full disbelief, to the establishment of obedient belief,

Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27)

After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. (Acts 1:3)

And [now]without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)

May God the Father bring those things before you he himself knows well you need and will with patience, bring it to pass. God bless!
 
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Hi all! Thank you so much for all your replies, it really helped and i really appreciate it the time you took to help me. I will follow all the advice of video's, reading the bible daily, face to face conversations with Christians etc.
I do have to say I am not easily convinced by big statements, but I looked thoroughly into the things we know about the resurrection of Jesus. The evidence is pointing massively towards something supernatural (so the resurrection). The natural explanations just don’t hold up against the historical facts.
You probably already knew this but I just wanted to highlight how strong the case for Christianity is.
Thanks again and God bless!
 
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Hello, Im Lily, I'm 19 years old and i come from a very secular country and family. For months now, I have been very interested in Christianity. I always was more pulled to religion than most people here, but I never acted on it, like praying or reading the bible, until now. But I have come across a difficult part and that is telling others im Christian now. My mom was recently talking about something related and I told her it has been proven, even by non-believers that Jesus exists. She hadn't heard of it but answered that that was possible, but all the mircales like turning water into wine and healing the blind not. I hadn't really given it much thought but I do agree it sounds strange, especially because I always grew up thinking this is just a fairytale, but now I am more serious about this. How do you guys stay strong in faith? And how should I tell my mom and family, without them thinking I have gone absolutely insane?
Blessings

Believing that God exists and that God is God is the key to finding all those miracles acceptable.. People who cannot believe in the miracles in the Bible do so because they simply don't believe a God exists.. A talking donkey os ludicrous to a person who does not believe a God exists, but to one who believes God exists such a happening is child's play to a God.. A God could made a stone talk if He willed it to..

As for sharing your beliefs.. People are responsible for their own reaction to you and the message you share.. Some will react with mockery and even denigration, Some will react with indifference, Some will ract with anger, Some will react with interest, Some will react with Joy as many in this forum have reacted to your post :giggle:.. Yes it can be hard in this world being a Christian.. But we are not here to be praised by people,, We are here as carriers of the most important message in History.. We are here as adopted Children of God to do our best with what the LORD has given us for as long as we live..
 
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I do have to say I am not easily convinced by big statements, but I looked thoroughly into the things we know about the resurrection of Jesus. The evidence is pointing massively towards something supernatural (so the resurrection). The natural explanations just don’t hold up against the historical facts. You probably already knew this but I just wanted to highlight how strong the case for Christianity is.
Hello again Lily, the following link will take you to a short, interesting article about the various purposes that miracles had/have, especially in the lives of believers and believers to be (so to speak).

~What was the purpose of Jesus’ miracles? | GotQuestions.org

BTW, the website GotQuestions.org is a great place to go to get quick answers to your questions about God, the Bible, and the Christian faith (of course, you are always welcome to come here and ask us too :)). It's also a good place to start when you are beginning to take a closer look into a Biblical passage, a topic, a doctrine, Christian terminology, etc., just FYI.

God bless you!! (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

~Deuteronomy (David)
p.s. - there is a story (or perhaps parable) that Jesus told us in the Gospel of Luke that is referred to as "Lazarus and the Rich Man" (Luke 16:19-31). When you have time, read through it and pay particular attention to what is being said towards the end between the Rich Man and Abraham (particularly v31), because it will tell you something else that you need to understand about miracles (and what they are and are not capable of helping certain people with) that the article above does not mention.


BTW, the majority of this story takes place in the Old Testament realm of the dead (called Sheol), where both the believers and the reprobate went when they died back then (believers, like Lazarus, went to Abraham's Bosom, also called Paradise, while the unbelieving/reprobate went to the other part of Sheol called, Hades).

Oh, and the reference to "Moses and the Prophets" in v29/v31 is just another way of referring to the entire Old Testament in the Bible.

Here it is (in English anyway :)).
Luke 16
19 Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day.
20 And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores,
21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores.
22 Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.
23 In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried out and said, "‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’
25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.
26 ‘And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’
27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father’s house—
28 for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’
30 But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!
31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”
 
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I also meant to add this earlier, that.........
Romans 10
17 Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
............or a bit more literally, "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of (or word concerning) Christ".

I mention this because for some people, like you, miracles are great, because they help you confirm that what you are starting to believe (or have come to believe) about God and the Christian faith are true. For others however (most people, in fact), you'll need to find ways to present the Gospel message (also called "the Good News") to them, first and foremost (we can certainly talk more about this going forward if you'd like to).

God bless you!!

~Deuteronomy
 
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