Let's Do Some Inventory
Next steps for us as believers can be as varied as the person. But there are a few basics we should all be doing to continue growing in our faith. As Paul says in Philippians 2:12, working out our salvation with fear and trembling (because we serve a might and awesome and holy God.)
As believers, there are four spheres we need to be regularly involved in to continue growing. (See graphic)
If you read those and realize you aren't doing any of them,
then your next step is to remedy that quickly. Let's look at each one:
Bible
God's Word is our daily bread. If we aren't digesting it daily, we will be weak. In addition, if we aren't studying it, seeking the scriptures, we will be unprepared. (Think how many times we can read a passage and have no idea what we just ready. Study takes it deeper.) Listening is also awesome but cannot replace genuine study.
Prayer/Intimacy
Jesus told a parable in Matthew 25 about the wise and foolish virgins. The wise had oil in their lamps plus extra. The foolish ran out of oil. The oil is the oil and intimacy and it is only found in the secret place of prayer and waiting on the Lord. In our busy lives we so often pray a list or written prayers and don't leave time to just sit, talk, and listen.
Fellowship
This is critical. One of the enemy's tactics is to separate us and take us out. Church, small groups, close friends who love God as much or more than we do is critical. As we interact, we sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17). As a part of the body, we supply what is lacking in others and they return the favor (Ephesians 4:16). If you don't have a God-loving friend who isn't afraid to tell you hard truths, get one! If you don't have a mentor, ask the Lord to send you that person. And make sure you are pouring into the lives of others. God made us as one whole body all fitly joined together (Ephesians 4:16).
Outreach
WAIT don't stop reading here. I'm not saying you have to go out and do crusades. But if we truly love Jesus, He says we will obey Him (John 14:15). Jesus also says that we should go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). James says faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Literally, our faith is worthless, dead, if we are not doing the good works that Jesus called us to. And that means sharing His love however He leads with others. In service, in words, in prayer, in encouragement. We have this amazing promise of salvation and Heaven, how much do we have to hate people to not tell them?
Three Important Questions
First, we have to remember, that before God created the world, He chose us planned good works for us to so. (Ephesians 1:4 and 2:10)
If that is the case, it means God has real things for each of us to do here on earth to bring Him glory. But what? (If you already know what God has called you to, praise God...these questions can still benefit you.)
Now for the questions.
WARNING: These are dangerous if you ask them and plan to obey no matter what. The answers could turn your life upside down in the scariest and most wonderful of ways.
Ask God these and listen/wait for His answers - wait as long as it takes:
Am I where I am supposed to be? (living, home, job, all of it)
What is my calling? (lifelong, in this season, in the upcoming season, etc.)
What do I need to be doing?
And when you hear an answer...don't think about it or try to make sense of it (or you will talk yourself right out of it being God.) Just obey. Do whatever it takes to do what He says. Make sure you involve your trusted Christian friends, mentors, and your pastor and ask them to pray with you as well.
If you have no idea how to do whatever you think He is asking, it is probably God. Because, He mostly calls us to things that require His showing up for us to accomplish. Also,
It may be scary but the payoff in eternity will be better than you can imagine.