This post is 1 of a 6 part series on faith: 1) We have a Heart Problem, 2) Palm Sunday-The Love of Jesus, 3) Easter-Believing in Jesus, 4) What happens next?, 5) Being a New Believer, and 6) Patience in Growth

5 minute read 
by Bethany Rees

What Happens After I Give My Life to Jesus?

How to Grow in Your Relationship with God

Saying “yes” to Jesus is the most important decision you’ll ever make—but it’s not the end of the journey. It’s the very beginning.

So...what now?

Starting a relationship with God is a lot like beginning a new relationship with someone you love. It takes time, trust, communication, and daily choices to grow closer and build something meaningful. 

In fact, one of the best ways to understand this journey with Jesus is to compare it to a budding relationship with a future spouse. Here are a few simple steps to help you grow in your faith in and relationship with Jesus—no pressure, no perfection required.

💧 1. You Want to Go Public

When something amazing happens, you don’t keep it to yourself—you tell somebody! That’s what baptism is: it’s your “I’m with Jesus now” moment.

Baptism is a public declaration of the personal transformation that’s already begun in your heart. It’s an act of obedience, a way to go public with your faith, and a symbol of dying to your old life and being raised to new life in Christ.

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
~ Acts 2:38 (NIV)

If you haven’t been baptized yet, talk to a local church or Christian mentor. It’s not about having it all figured out—it’s about following Jesus one step at a time.

📖 2. You Want to Know More About Them

When you first start dating someone, you want to know everything—what they love, what makes them laugh, what breaks their heart.

It’s the same with Jesus.
You begin by opening your Bible—not because it’s a checklist, but because it’s how you hear His heart.

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” ~ 1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

You don’t have to read it all at once. Start with one of the gospels (I recommend reading John first) and just get to know Jesus.

🧡 3. You Learn to Trust Them

In a healthy relationship, trust grows over time. You begin relying on that person, confiding in them, and depending on them.

That’s what prayer is with God.
You don’t have to speak fancy words—just talk to Him. Tell Him what you’re feeling. Ask questions. Be honest.

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” ~ James 4:8a (NLT)

The more you talk with Him, the more you’ll see how faithful He is.

🙌 4. You Start Changing Because of Love

In a deep relationship, your priorities shift. You’re not living for yourself anymore—you want to serve the one you love.

Following Jesus means letting Him shape how you live, speak, and treat others. Not because you have to, but because His love changes your heart.

“And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18b (NLT)

📅 So What Can You Do Right Now? 

📖 Read the Bible daily (start with the book of John)

🙏 Pray honestly—no script needed

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Connect with others who are also following Jesus

🎧 Listen to truth (worship music, podcasts, or messages)

✍️ Write down questions and what you’re learning

You’re not expected to be perfect. You’re just invited to grow.
And Jesus will walk with you every step of the way.

👉 Prefer a printable version? Click here to download the full Quick Start Kit!

You said yes to Jesus—now keep walking with Him.
This is just the beginning, and the best is yet to come.

Know Better. Do Better. Live Better. Keep Walking Towards Jesus.

Rocks before Sand!

Scripture: 

“And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18b (NLT)

Theme Song:

Born Again Third Day Lacey Mosley

References Used:

• Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
• Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.