Embracing Consistency in God's Grace!

Embracing Consistency: A Journey of Faith and Growth

Hello, I'm Kim McLellan, and I live in New Zealand. As we welcome September, the first day of spring here and also Father’s Day, I find myself reflecting on my lifelong journey with consistency and how my newfound faith in Jesus is reshaping my perspective. Consistency has always been a challenge for me. I’ve been drawn to change and new experiences, finding excitement in the unfamiliar. Yet, I’ve discovered that this constant pursuit of novelty hasn’t always brought me happiness or fulfillment.

Growing up in a non-Christian home, my understanding of faith was limited. My parents, though wonderful and loving, didn’t have a personal relationship with God. My sister and I were baptized as babies, a family tradition rather than a deep, personal commitment. We had beautiful heirloom christening gowns that were also used for our son's christening, but the true meaning of those ceremonies was lost on us at the time.

Church was something I occasionally enjoyed with family friends who were devout Christians. Although I didn’t fully grasp the teachings, the experience left a lasting impression on me. My most consistent activity growing up was swimming. From early mornings to late evenings, and weekends spent at competitions, swimming was a rigorous part of my life. Ironically, the very consistency that was a cornerstone of my training became something I resisted as I grew older. I rebelled against routine, not realizing that my desire for change was masking deeper issues of self-centeredness.

Through my journey with Jesus, I’ve come to understand how my inconsistency was influenced by more than just a love for novelty. It was a struggle that kept me from fully embracing the stability and growth that God has in store for me. I often opted for quick fixes and easy routes, only to find myself facing more significant issues down the road.

But today marks a new beginning. September 1st, 2024, is not just the start of a new month; it’s a day of renewal. As my eldest son turns 15 tomorrow, I am committing to a new level of consistency in my life. Over the past few months, I’ve made a conscious effort to read the Bible daily, pray with my husband, and prioritize worship. This month, I am adding a new goal: to run every day of the week.

I’ve realized that consistency is crucial not just in exercise but in all areas of life. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” This verse speaks to the heart of perseverance and the blessings that come from remaining strong and consistent.

As I embark on this new chapter, I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you. I plan to update this blog mid-week and at the end of each week, sharing insights and experiences on how consistency, coupled with faith, can lead to incredible results and fulfillment.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I can't wait to explore and share the importance of being consistent in life and how it aligns with God's guidance and promises.

Blessings, Kim McLellan