JOURNEYING THROUGH THE 7 STEPS OF FAITH
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Where are you on your faith journey? When we come to believe, our Christian walk of faith commences. It is a journey that lasts a lifetime. There will be peaks and valleys, triumphs and trials. Yet we progress ever onward toward the goal of Christlikeness.
The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. – Galatians 2:20
The seven steps of faith to be explored serve as markers along our spiritual path. Not all seven levels may be traveled in our lifelong faith journey. At times, we may be living in more than one step at once, yet steps are not skipped. Years may be spent in one level alone. Seasons of our lives may even find us revisiting earlier steps along the journey.
These steps act merely as a model. Yet understanding where you are on your faith journey allows you to recognize God’s work in your life. It will inspire you to set your course ahead confidently and courageously with greater trust and peace.
7 STEPS OF FAITH
◊ Step 1 – Spiritual Awakening
The journey of faith begins. Eyes are opened to the awe and wonder of a mighty God who reigns over all. Belief in Jesus and His saving grace highlights this step. One experiences the joy of salvation and the new birth. Sins are forgiven… guilt is erased… the past is left in the past.
Lives come to have a new sense of meaning and purpose. The unconditional, all-encompassing, accepting love of God becomes a reality. There is both an innocence and a vulnerability as one reaches out to find answers to questions and guidance in navigating the faith journey.
One can become stranded at this step by questioning one’s worthiness of God’s love and Christ’s forgiveness. Past failures and mistakes overwhelm, causing one to feel undeserving of grace. To move forward, forgiveness of self is key. And remembering that faith is unearned, undeserved favor… a gift from God.
◊ Step 2 – Discipleship and Spiritual Growth
One’s faith begins to blossom and grow. A belief system forms and a path for right living unfolds. There is a hunger for God’s Word. It is a time to seek out godly leaders, mentors, and Bible-based discipling to ensure learning God’s truth. A sound faith community where one can be fed from Scripture becomes important. A sense of belonging is gained as this new journey is shared with other believers.
One can become rooted at this step by clinging tightly to the new belief system. Others are judged and alienated for their “wrong” beliefs. To move forward, appreciating others as beloved creations of God is key. And remembering that everyone is traveling their own unique faith journey.
◊ Step 3 – Productive Spiritual Life
Servanthood highlights this step. One seeks to work for the cause of Christ and His kingdom. Spiritual gifts are discovered and used to glorify God and bless others. The desire to share the faith that has become so meaningful is lived out. One’s sphere of faith-influence may extend beyond the community to the world.
One can become fixed at this step by becoming burned out. Too much beneficent work can leave one feeling spiritually empty… and even resentful of ones not actively helping. The personal faith life suffers. To move forward, learning to step back is key. And remembering that doing for God cannot replace being with God.
◊ Step 4 – Wall / Wilderness – Crisis of Faith
This is a crossroads along the faith journey with a profound impact on one’s life. It is a time when doubts and questions, disillusionments and insecurities reach a crisis point. The Christian façade begins to crumble as fears, soul wounds and personal baggage are confronted.
Many avoid this step, never moving past Step 3 on their journey. The “Wall” is too forbidding an obstacle… the “Wilderness” too vast to overcome. Some who attempt to tackle this step end up reeling backward to a previous step… or abandoning the faith altogether.
Ones brave enough to travel successfully forward learn that surrender is the key. The choice must be made… God’s will or one’s own. A pivotal work of the Spirit occurs in one’s life… a giving up of all that stands between oneself and God. It demands a dying to self, taking up one’s cross and following Jesus wholeheartedly. God’s love and grace, when believed and embraced, carries one through this formidable step.
◊ Step 5 – Inward Spiritual Journey
One emerges from the Wall/Wilderness with a faith shaken to the core. This next step is a time of personal reflection, rebuilding and healing. God is rediscovered in a deeper way as devotion and commitment grow. One learns of their identity in Christ. Following Jesus becomes the prime focus.
There is a sense of freedom in this new self. Often, one steps away from serving for a time of reflection. The search begins for one’s mission, life purpose and divine calling. God’s love takes on a more personal dimension. Abiding with Him more closely, one learns to trust Him more profoundly.
One can become enmired at this step when not comfortable looking inward. New, often unanswerable questions can challenge one’s faith. To move forward, separating God from “religion” is key. And remembering that searching out answers to weightier questions is a normal part of the faith journey.
◊ Step 6 – Outward Spiritual Journey
One surfaces from the inward faith journey more enlightened, accepting, discerning, wiser. The infinite mysteries of life are embraced. The peace of Christ becomes a reality. Life is lived in gratitude, with a deeper trust to let go and let God. There is now an outward, compassionate focus on others… to love and to serve. One ventures into God’s calling, empowered by the Spirit, to bear kingdom fruit.
One can become frozen at this step, feeling out of touch with believers operating in earlier steps. To move forward, the key is to step out with God-confidence and Spirit-peace, not seeking after the validation and approval of others. And remembering to do all for the glory of God.
◊ Step 7 – Life of Love
This is the pinnacle of the faith journey. A deep, abiding, grounded faith has been cultivated. There is a quiet trust in God and an inner calm in the fully surrendered heart. Faith has replaced all fear. Obedience yields joy. Eternal hope is secure.
One lives as Jesus lived… walking in step with the Spirit… reflecting His character… living out His law of love and grace. Wisdom, humility, servanthood, compassion are displayed to the world. Like Jesus, one appears to live counter to the culture of the day with this selfless life where love comes naturally.
One may struggle at this step with spiritual pride, appearing aloof, detached, distant due to a greater intimacy with God. Embracing humility is key. And remembering that the goal of the faith journey is Christlikeness. Model Him. Step out with acts of mercy and compassion. Guide new believers on their faith journey. Be Jesus to a lost world.
† Eternal Takeaway – On our faith journey, we become an ever-clearer reflection of Jesus †
