I was talking to someone at church last night about some things in my Christian walk that is bothering me. We were pretty much talking about spiritual battles and the trials and temptations that we face. I had thought that things would become easier as you began growing stronger in your faith and closer to the Lord through bible study and praying. But this person, who's been saved for a few years and has been in the church her whole life, told me that the more you grow in Christ, the harder things will get. I guess I'm thinking along the lines that the more knowledgeable I become of the bible, the easier it will for me to deal with things. But I guess the more we grow, the more the Lord puts us through to help us to continue growing and moving to the next level in our spiritual walk.

Its not the Lord putting you through most of it, its the enemy coming against you, It gets easier to handle (exp: self control) but you face more troubles. If your not then your not doing something right.

James talks about the difference between trails or tribulations

It does get easier. The more you discipline your behavior and think of how short this life is and how long eternity is, the easier it gets. Of course I still have my moments like everyone.

And I truly want to do things that are pleasing to God and not cause Him grief.

It depends on a lot of factors. Your willingness to give up infatuation with the world, your relationship with God, knowledge about Scripture, and how secure you are as a child of God. The stronger a relationship you have with Christ, the easier the journey will be, because you'll know that no matter what, Christ will always be there, and giving up a few things will mean nothing once you are in Heaven.

It doesn't mean the longer you are a Christian the easier it will get. I know people who have been Christians all their lives who struggle like someone who is just getting to know the Lord, because they themselves do not have a strong relationship with Him and care so much about pleasing people and not Christ. Similarily, I know new Christians who have found it a breeze giving up all worldy affairs because they already have a solid relationship with Him.

And also, some things will come easier than others. I found it easy to give up masturbation, but struggle with gluttony and pride. It's different for everyone.

I agree, it depends on how easily you submit to the Lord. As you grow closer to Him, He will show you things that you need to change. As you make these changes. He will show you others.

I cannot say if it gets easier or harder. I can say that you will get stronger and more confident in sharing the Lord with others. You will learn to trust Him more and yourself less ;)

Sometimes, I still get all tripped up and seem to take two steps back but then God teaches me from these times and I can see where I was at fault.

If you are questioning "why should i work so hard to get closer if it's not going to get easier ?":

God's got a barrel full of blessings He wants to give you that He can't unless you walk with Him
You will never be able to keep His peace in your life unless you walk with Him
You will never be able to fulfill your obligation to witness if you do not walk with Him
You will allow the enemy to win in your life if you do not walk with Him
I hope this helps and encourages you to keep growing and to fulfill the plan our Father has for you :hug:

Its not the Lord putting you through most of it, its the enemy coming against you, It gets easier to handle (exp: self control) but you face more troubles. If your not then your not doing something right.

James talks about the difference between trails or tribulations
Right. :thumbsup:

Our growth in Christ is compared to the growth of a baby to adulthood. Could we say that life gets easier as we grow older? Not necessarily, but we are better equipped to handle it.

And the resistance of the enemy gets stronger, so you have to rely on Jesus more and more.