Hello Alex. I totally understand what you mean about it being helpful if you are living life around other Christians. They can become a significant source of strength and encouragement. When I was dating, it was important to me to date someone who at least attended church on a regular basis. Does your church not have a young adult program? That is one way to be around other believers. My church is very large so they promote something called Life Groups. They used to be called small groups. They are groups of people from the church who get together outside of church. Look and see if your church has something like that, you may even be able to start one on your own.

Alex, I believe God sees everything and knows your heart. He sees the effort you are making to know Him by reading and studying the Bible. The Bible says draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. To help you with your study, I want to suggest this website to you. It's called Reasonable Faith http://www.reasonablefaith.org/

And now I want to pray for you.

Father God, I lift up Alex to you and pray that you send her, godly mentors and friends who love you and want to live according to your way. Give Alex the wisdom needed to chose friends that will never compromise their walk with you in order to gain acceptance. I also pray that she clearly hears the call you have on her life. For you to strike down discouragement, so it will not defeat her. May the desires of her heart also be the desires of your heart. In Jesus name, amen.

Your faith is not dependent upon other people, but upon God. I think Misred has some good advice about finding fellowship and mentors, but always remember, it is Jesus Christ you are following, not people!

You are wise to read the Bible and journal. I had doubts in the early years about my faith. I don't know whether it was the devil harassing me, or just overcoming the "old self" as Paul writes. (I journeyed from atheism to agnosticism to the New Age movement before God saved me!)

"assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Eph 4:21-24

Paul tells us to renew our minds!

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

You are at the beginning of a wonderful journey with Christ! Always remember to keep your eyes focused, or fixed on Jesus!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, 2 keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

Heavenly Father, I pray you will touch the life of this young person, and draw them close to you. Teach them your ways, and to fix their eyes in you! Bring a solid, Biblical mentor into their life, for discipleship and fellowship. Thank you that they are studying your Word, don't let them be discouraged by the lukewarmness in others, but fan the flames by the power of your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus name I pray, amen!

Thank you so much! I feel more confident in my relationship with Him knowing none of you are judging me. It means a lot to have support.