Growing Strong in a World That Tries to Pull You Away

If you’ve walked with Jesus for any length of time, you’ve probably felt those moments when temptation, doubt, distraction, or discouragement sneak into your day. Sometimes it’s subtle, sometimes it hits like a wave, but either way, Scripture reminds us that it’s not random.

Satan does try to interrupt our walk with God. Not because Satan is stronger (he’s not), but because he knows the power and joy that come when we actually grow close to Jesus. Peter puts it bluntly: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).

It’s not to necessarily scare us. It’s to keep us awake and aware.

And honestly? It makes the next part even more important:

Abiding in Christ Is Not Optional — It’s Life

Jesus Himself told us that staying close to Him is the only way we thrive: “Abide in me, and I in you… for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4–5)

Nothing.
Not grow.
Not resist temptation.
Not find peace.

But when we do abide in Him? There’s this deep, soul-level rest that settles in. There’s a refreshment only God can give. Acts 3:19 describes it as “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.” When the world drains you, God restores you.

Just like you wouldn’t expect a plant to thrive without water, sunlight, and good soil, you can’t expect your faith to grow without nourishment.

You and I need:

• time in Scripture,

• time in prayer,

• and time soaking in God’s presence.

Jesus even talks about building our lives on a solid foundation — hearing His words and actually doing them (Matthew 7:24–25). That’s what keeps us steady when life shakes us.

And let’s be real: life will shake us. But when your roots run deep, you don’t topple. Peter encourages believers to be prepared: “Always be ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)

You don’t need a seminary degree. You don’t need perfectly crafted answers. You just need a living relationship with Jesus and a willingness to speak from it.

When you know Him personally, you naturally have something to say about Him. Just like you always have stories, admiration, or little details to share about your closest friends or family members. You talk about the people you spend time with. You know them because you pick up things about them from conversations with them and just time spent living life with them. The more you walk with Jesus, the more familiar His voice becomes, and the more naturally your heart overflows with who He is and what He’s done.

Be Discerning — Not Everything Online Is Biblical

The internet is full of Christian-ish content. Some of it is wonderful… and some of it is way off. It can sound spiritual, inspiring, or cute, but that doesn’t mean it’s grounded in truth.

That’s why you always go back to Scripture. Test everything. Hold it up to what God actually said.

Acts 17:11 talks about the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily” to make sure what they heard was true. That’s us. That’s who we want to be.

God’s Word is the standard. Always.

If You’re Not Sure Where to Start… You’re Not Alone

A lot of women feel unsure about what to study or how to stay consistent. That’s okay!

Devotionals, reading plans, and guided Bible studies can help you build structure and confidence while you learn how to study Scripture on your own.

If you’re just starting your walk with Jesus or you want to strengthen your foundation, we created a New Christian Bible Study to walk with you step by step.

Download the text here

Purchase the physical book here (coming soon…ish!)

Wherever you begin, the important thing is this: start somewhere. God will meet you there. He will draw near to you (James 4:8).