Baby Steps of Faith
When a baby takes their first steps, it’s a big deal. Everyone celebrates. Even if those steps are wobbly. Even if the baby falls right after. The point isn’t perfection. The point is progress. That’s exactly how it feels to be a baby Christian.
When we first come to faith in Jesus, everything feels new. God’s Word is alive in a way we’ve never noticed before. Worship moves us in ways we can’t fully explain. And prayer, though sometimes awkward or unsure, feels like we’re finally talking to Someone who hears us and loves us just as we are.
But just like babies learning to walk, we stumble. We might misquote Scripture, ask questions we think are “too simple,” or fall back into old habits. And that’s okay. Growth is a process. The Bible itself reminds us of that in 1 Peter 2:2. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
Being a baby Christian isn’t about knowing everything right away. It’s about trusting God with the little you do know and letting Him shape you over time. Think of it like planting a seed—what matters most is not the size of the seed, but the life it contains.
And let me be honest with you… I have lived this.
I often call myself a “baby Christian,” though I’m not sure the label fully fits anymore. Faith has always been in the background of my life. I grew up attending a Catholic church with my grandmother, then spent years in non-denominational churches where my dad even became a youth leader. But when I was 18 or 19, some painful church experiences drove my family away from the faith. I drifted for years, only occasionally stepping foot in a church.
It wasn’t until October 2021 that I truly began attending church again, and I’ve been at my current church ever since. Yet even then, my walk has always been shaky. I fell into the trap of comparing my faith journey to others (especially my closest friends) and always felt like I didn’t measure up. I was baptized as a baby, but chose to be baptized again in June 2023. Even then, I wouldn’t say I had fully surrendered, but in January 2024, something shifted. I was on fire for the Lord. I could feel Him, hear Him, see His confirmations all around me. I was in the Word, wearing a veil on my head, praying daily, leaning into His presence. It was a fire I can’t fully explain.
Then life happened. When a close friend died, grief and anger overwhelmed me. I took my eyes off Jesus, and the backslide was dark. It spiraled fast, and I’m still in the process of climbing back out. But here’s the good news. I’m not where I was in February 2024. God has been patient with me, and step by step, He’s pulling me closer again.
That’s the beauty of being a baby Christian. Much like an actual baby, it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. Every prayer you whisper, every verse you read, every time you show up to church. It all matters. God isn’t grading you on speed. He’s walking beside you.
If you’re in this season, here are a few things that have helped me (and may help you too):
Stay in the Word – Even just a few verses a day. Scripture is nourishment.
Pray honestly – God doesn’t need polished words; He just wants your heart.
Find community – Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you.
Extend yourself grace – Growth takes time. Even Paul had to learn and grow.
Celebrate progress – Rejoice over the small steps. God does.
Being a baby Christian doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re growing. Babies don’t stay babies forever. With time, wobbly steps turn into a steady walk, and eventually, a confident run.
Wherever you are in your journey, know this: your Heavenly Father rejoices over you. He celebrates every step, every question, every stumble, and every victory. You are His child, and He is cheering you on.
So if you feel like a baby Christian today, take heart. It’s not a label of weakness. It’s a season of growth.
With grace and gratitude,
Brianna
