When someone first discovers God and begins attending church, their heart overflows with emotion. There’s an urge to shout to the world, "I’ve found it! I’ve found what I was searching for!" This initial period of spiritual fervor, known as the "neophyte" phase, is both exhilarating and transformative. It feels like this newfound joy will last forever. But, as many come to realize, this phase doesn’t last. Eventually, the challenge sets in: maintaining that joy becomes harder, and the realization dawns that the spiritual life isn’t just about moments of euphoria. It’s a journey of correction, self-improvement, and inner struggle—a difficult path that demands patience and sometimes, even pain.

Every Christian eventually faces a pivotal question: where do I go from here? Standing still isn’t an option. Moving forward often feels incredibly hard. Going back might seem tempting, but once you’ve tasted the joy of God’s grace, turning away from it is nearly impossible. No material thing, no comfort, no vibrant or interesting life can replace the divine joy. Everything pales in comparison to God’s grace, a truth not just spoken in theory but proven through the experiences of countless generations, preserved and passed down through the church’s tradition.

The Gospel itself warns us against turning back. It tells us, “When an unclean spirit leaves a person, it wanders through dry places seeking rest and finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”

Christ's words are a stark reminder: if we become lazy, complacent, or inattentive to our spiritual life, the evil we once overcame can return with even greater force.

So, despite the difficulty, we must keep moving forward. Even if the progress is slow, even if it feels like we’re crawling, stopping, or taking detours—we must always strive to move ahead.

There are times when the road seems too hard, when it feels like there’s no strength left. Moments when you just want to lie down, like a child throwing a tantrum, pounding the ground in frustration. Have you ever felt this way? I certainly have, many times! But the decision to keep moving forward, or at least to lie down facing the right direction, is a choice that every Christian must make daily. It’s a continuous act of faith and loyalty.

You can’t change overnight. Not in a day, not in a month, not even in a year. It takes time to transform from the “old” person into the “new.” And only a daily commitment to choosing God can make this transformation possible.

This journey isn’t just about enduring; it’s about understanding that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. It’s about trusting that each day’s decision to move closer to God, no matter how difficult, is shaping you into the person you are meant to become. So, take heart, and keep moving forward—because even slow progress is progress, and the destination is worth every struggle along the way.

Original article: radiovera.ru/tolko-vpered-irina-sobylenskaja