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6 Stages of the Journey of Faith and Why You Need to Know Yours

I love following trails. The less traversed the better. The woods of North Idaho, the lake trails of Minnesota, the four-wheeler paths of Alaska, and the jungle routes of Northern Thailand are my happy places. If you tell me there’s a path to follow my feet are almost compulsively drawn there.

This hasn’t always been the same source of joy for those who love me as it has been for me. Take that one time in Israel, for example. I was seventeen (and perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank-you-very-much) when our tour bus stopped in a quiet parking lot. We were at The Gates of Hell. I’m not kidding. This was the physical location where Jesus stood with His disciples when Peter proclaimed that He was the Son of God and Jesus replied, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” ( Matthew 16:18 )

It was a wild declaration in a wild place: a place where a pagan temple once stood and children were sacrificed at the gates of hell. Jesus stomped all over that playground of idolatry with the feet of the Living God. The gates of hell will not prevail… 

Just sit with that thought for a moment.

After being introduced to the significance of the place, I heard our tour guide say, “We’ll gather back on the bus in thirty minutes. There’s a trail over there that leads to a stream and the bathrooms are by the shop in the parking lot.” Now, this is apparently not what everyone else, including my parents, heard. I heard “go explore” while they heard “head for the bus.”

However, there was that trail, and without a second thought, I was off.

A blonde teenager.

At the GATES OF HELL.

Well, we all have those moments when we’re not so smart, right?

I remember it so clearly: the meandering dirt path, the sunlight through the trees, the dancing brooke, the sweet conversation I had with Jesus. I was in my happy place.

I didn’t stay long, trying to be mindful of the time, and as I emerged from the woods onto the open trail, a man approached me. He was walking briskly and looked amused when he saw me. He said something into his radio, turned around, and motioned for me to follow him quickly. 

We jogged back up the path and when the bus came into view he simply pointed.

Everyone was on it. Waiting for me. Praying I hadn’t been kidnapped for ransom. My parents were thrilled that I was fine, and I was mortified.

Who knew a trail could cause so much trouble? I try to be a bit wiser now, but I still maintain that a trail is an invitation that should not be passed up. It’s leading somewhere. Maybe to a waterfall, a mountain top, a camping spot, or a placid lake, but if there’s a trail there it’s usually because people have trod that path before in search of the something that lies beyond the asphalt and concrete.

GROWTH AS A CHRISTIAN

So it is with the Christian life. We are all on a journey to the heart of God. We know it all starts with the exchange of Christ’s life for our own and it ends in the glorious eternity of dwelling with God in heaven, but what of the in-between? This messy, mucky, mixed-up middle ground? Is there sense or order to our development as Christ-followers?

The Bible speaks often of growth and development. As believers we move from milk to meat ( Hebrews 5:13-14 ), maturing from receivers of simple truths to teachers of the Word, and Paul regularly prays for the church to grow in wisdom and understanding so they (we) can bear fruit ( Colossians 1:3-11 ). Even the meta-story across Scripture of God’s plan and process through Creation, Fall, and Redemption paints the idea of movement through stages.

Our great Creator loves order. I think He even loves a good story with a beginning, middle, and end, and all the plot twists in between.

And it just makes so much sense to me as I see countless parallels between our lives lived in the body and our lives lived in the spirit. Parenting would be chaotic at best if we couldn’t foresee the predictable stages our children would progress through: infants to toddlers to children to adolescents to young adults. Can you imagine working on potty training if you had no hope that it was only for a season?

The Christian life would be uncertain at best if we had no hope of future glory and the sanctification process along the way. We need markers of development to assure us that we are making progress and that we are indeed on the same path of faith our spiritual role-models walked. Especially when we hit that really gnarly bump in the middle (more on that in a bit).

THE 6 STAGES OF THE JOURNEY OF FAITH

While what I’m about to present to you isn’t specific biblical truth, I do believe it is spiritual wisdom. Saints throughout the ages have looked for ways to understand the journey of faith, including John of the Cross and Bernard of Clairvaux. More recently The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith by Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich has provided helpful commentary on the predictable path we find ourselves on as we walk toward Christ-likeness.

Here is Janet’s comprehensive description and recent podcast if you want to dig deeper.

For our purposes, I’ve simplified their model a bit. And I really felt that it needed a map, of sorts. So here it is, in the best stick-figure glory I could muster:

As with any model, it’s not perfect, and we don’t always fit neatly into the categories, but much like how personality profiles can help us understand ourselves and operate with greater understanding toward others, this spiritual-life profile can help us navigate the work of God in our lives and move forward with greater trust and hope.

STAGE ONE: THE SEARCH FOR GOD

We recognize our need for a savior and accept His invitation to new life. This is the point of belief, of being born-again.

STAGE TWO: THE LIFE OF DISCIPLESHIP

We are hungry to learn everything we can about God and what His truth means for our lives. We want to belong and will search for a community of faith where we are fed from the Word.

STAGE THREE: THE PRODUCTIVE LIFE

We want to give back to the God who gave everything for us. We start looking for ways to share our faith and do good deeds. We ask if we have a personal calling from the Lord and take a step of faith to pursue it (i.e. taking a role in the church, starting a home Bible study, helping a neighbor in need, focusing your craft more on spiritual matters, becoming a pastor or missionary, viewing parenting as discipleship).

STAGE FOUR: THE WALL AND THE WILDERNESS

Often triggered by some form of suffering, we are suddenly made aware that what we are doing for God isn’t working anymore. We might feel burnt out from all our activity in the previous stage or we might be frustrated that we’re not seeing transformation in our own lives or the lives of those we are trying to reach. We often revert to more learning to become better equipped or redouble our efforts of service to hopefully see results. But eventually, we still end up at the wall with the choice to keep on looping backwards in the journey or to surrender to a major work of the Spirit in our lives.

STAGE FIVE: THE JOURNEY INWARD

We accept that deep change is necessary and we struggle through a season of deconstruction as God works with us to expose idols and egos and His heart in pursuit of our own. We begin to reconstruct our relationship with God based on intimacy, and a new sense of self-realization leads to more profound God-realization.

STAGE SIX: THE JOURNEY UPWARD AND OUTWARD

We learn to live out the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind; and from that life of God-love the second commandment flows: Love your neighbor as yourself. ( Matthew 22:37-39 ) We may still revisit times of testing and refining in the wilderness, but hope is secure and our hearts are fully surrendered.

WHERE ARE YOU ON THE JOURNEY?

Can you see your spiritual life at one of the points on this map? The first time it was introduced to me at a Spiritual Director’s training, I felt incredibly relieved, perhaps like a puberty-stricken girl who was finally told that armpit hair was normal. I talked about it for days to anyone that would listen. Did you know that we have stages of spiritual development just like physical development? Have you ever heard that hitting the wall is a normal and even necessary part of Christian growth? My own story suddenly makes so much sense now! Oh yeah, I totally geek out over stuff like that. 

But even if you don’t get as excited about it as I was, I hope that you find it encouraging to know that we are all on this journey together . It’s a beautiful path, and not as dark or mysterious as you once thought. No, it’s not going to be easy, but the best things rarely are. 

So keep pressing on, dear one. Further up. Further in.

Try writing down the bullet points of your own faith journey. Where do they fall on this faith map? What is God saying to you about the stage you are in right now?

My own journey through the wilderness and how I made it over the wall is recorded in my book, Colliding with the Call: When Following God Takes You to the Wilderness .

Related posts

Is Your Soul in a Spiritual Winter?

A Wilderness Excursion Through the Bible Part 4 – Yearning

Is Deconstruction a Normal Part of the Journey of Faith?

The “map” of the journey of faith is simply profound and I so appreciate the sharing of your own experience to illustrate the concepts. As usual, your creativity and masterful articulation impress the reader, yet you are careful to direct our attention to Jesus as the Center and Focus of our lives and journeys.

Thank you, Debi. I’m humbled by such gracious words. As long as I keep pointing people to Jesus I’m doing okay!

This comment probably won’t add anything of spiritual virtue to your well written article, but it might help your readers to understand the depth of worry for those of us that were on the bus worried sick about that beautiful, young blond girl that had gone missing when we were visiting “The Gates of Hell”. Our visit to Israel was in the fall of 2000 and the Oslo Accord had just been broken. The President of the U.S. put out a travel advisory not to travel to Israel. My parents (Corella’s grandparents) pleaded with us to cancel our plans to go to Israel. Obviously we did not heed their advise and went anyway. So when Corella, who had always been very punctual and methodical about following instructions did not return to the bus on time, it was not much of a leap to jump to the worst conclusion. Praise God that the “lost” was found and “The Gates of Hell” did not prevail!!!

I love you, Mom. Thanks for taking me to Israel and for praying over me then as you still do now!

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10 Stages In A Faith Journey: Plus Examples

Inside: Faith Journey Plus Examples

Have you ever thought about how our faith is like a journey?

It’s a road with ups and downs, questions, and amazing moments where everything just clicks.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been on this road for a while, there’s always something new to see and learn.

In this article, we’ll dive into the different parts of this faith adventure using the Bible and some easy-to-follow tips.

So, come on in, and let’s chat about this faith journey we’re all on!

10 Stages In A Faith Journey

Here’s a detailed breakdown of 10 stages in a faith journey, complete with Scripture and practical advice for each stage:

• Scripture : “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
• Advice : Stay open-minded. Attend faith-based events, join discussion groups, and ask questions to understand more deeply.
• Scripture : “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10
• Advice : Embrace this new awareness. Surround yourself with individuals who can guide and nurture your budding faith.
• Scripture : “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” – 1 Peter 2:2
• Advice : Dive into Scripture. Attend Bible studies, engage in prayer, and seek mentorship from seasoned believers.
• Scripture : “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
• Advice : Make a conscious decision to commit to your faith . This might mean being baptized or taking another step of public commitment.
• Scripture : “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
• Advice : Seek support through community and prayer. Remember, every believer faces challenges. They can strengthen and refine your faith.
• Scripture : “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18
• Advice : Regularly partake in spiritual disciplines like fasting , deep prayer, and meditative reading of the Scriptures.
• Scripture : “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
• Advice : Find ways to serve in your community or church. Share your testimony and faith journey with others.
• Scripture : “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
• Advice : Journal or reflect on the ways you’ve seen God’s hand in your life, celebrating His faithfulness in big and small ways.
• Scripture : “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” – 1 John 5:11
• Advice : Foster a heavenly perspective, knowing that this earthly life is temporary and a glorious eternity awaits.
• Continuous Renewal and Transformation :
• Scripture : “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16
• Advice : Continually seek personal revival. Attend retreats, engage in spiritual self-assessments, study God’s word daily and always aim to draw closer to God.

I hope this list provides a helpful framework for understanding the stages in a faith journey from a Biblical perspective!

May it inspire and guide many on their personal journeys with the Lord.

Examples Of A Faith Journey

Here are some examples of faith journeys:

• The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 is a poignant example of a faith journey. A young man leaves home, squanders his inheritance, and hits rock bottom. However, he comes to a realization of his mistakes and decides to return to his father. His father, representing God’s unending mercy, welcomes him with open arms. This journey from rebellion to redemption underscores the grace and forgiveness that await those who turn back to God.
• Moses’ life is filled with twists and turns. Born a Hebrew but raised as an Egyptian prince, he flees Egypt after killing a man. In exile, God appears to him in a burning bush and tasks him with leading the Israelites to freedom. Through challenges like confronting Pharaoh and parting the Red Sea, Moses grows in his faith and dependence on God.
• Mary Magdalene, mentioned in the Gospels, is a shining example of a transformative faith journey. Once plagued by seven demons, Jesus heals her. From that moment, she becomes one of His most devoted followers, even being the first to witness and proclaim His resurrection.
• Saul, later known as Paul, starts as a fierce persecutor of early Christians . However, on the road to Damascus, he has a life-changing encounter with the risen Christ. This results in a complete turnaround, and he becomes one of Christianity’s most influential apostles, spreading the Gospel far and wide.
• Imagine someone today who grew up in a Christian household but drifted away during their teenage years, influenced by peers or personal doubts. Later in life, a significant event or realization brings them to a Christian counselor. Through counseling sessions, reading Scripture, and joining a supportive community, they rekindle their relationship with God and commit their life to serving Him.
• Consider a person with no prior knowledge of Christianity. Perhaps a friend invites them to church, or they stumble upon a Bible in a hotel room. Curious, they begin exploring, attending Bible studies, and asking questions. Over time, the teachings resonate with them, leading to a deep, personal relationship with Jesus .

Each of these journeys highlights the diverse paths people can take in their relationship with God.

From Biblical figures to everyday individuals, the common thread is God’s unwavering love and grace, guiding each person closer to Him.

I hope these Faith Journey examples inspire and provide insight into the varied landscapes of faith journeys!

How To Write A Faith Journey

Writing about your faith journey is a deeply personal endeavor, but it can be incredibly rewarding.

Sharing your experiences can inspire others and offer insights into the unique ways God works in individual lives.

Let’s break down how to approach this:

• Before you even pick up a pen, spend some time in prayer. Ask God for clarity, wisdom, and discernment as you recount your journey.
• Think about key moments in your life that have shaped your faith. This could be childhood memories, a challenging period, or an unexpected blessing.
• Start by describing your upbringing. Were you raised in a faith-based home? Or did you encounter God later in life?
• Highlight moments that deeply impacted your relationship with God. This could be positive experiences, like a retreat or a mission trip, or more challenging times when your faith was tested.
• It’s okay to share periods of doubt or times when you had questions about your faith. This makes your journey relatable and authentic.
• Talk about instances where you felt God’s presence or intervention in your life . These personal stories can be powerful testimonies of faith.
• Who has played a pivotal role in your faith journey? Maybe it’s a parent, a pastor, a friend, or even a Christian counselor. Share how they’ve guided or influenced you.
• Weave in relevant Bible verses that have been significant to you. This gives readers a biblical context and shows the foundation of your beliefs.
• Where are you now in your faith journey? Discuss your current practices, beliefs, and hopes for the future.
• End with Reflection and Anticipation :
• Reflect on your growth and the lessons you’ve learned. Share your hopes and aspirations for your continuing journey with God.
• Edit and Review :
• Once you’ve penned down your journey, take some time to review and refine it. Consider sharing it with a trusted friend or Christian counselor for feedback.

Remember, your faith journey is uniquely yours. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

It’s the genuine reflection of your relationship with God that will resonate with readers.

Bible Verses About Faith Being A Journey

The Bible is rich with verses that describe faith as a journey or process, emphasizing growth, perseverance, and God’s guidance.

Here are some verses that beautifully convey this theme:

• “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
• “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
• “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
• “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
• “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
• “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
• “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
• “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
• “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

These verses emphasize the continuous journey of faith, marked by trust, perseverance, and guidance from the Lord.

As you reflect on these verses, may you be encouraged and strengthened in your own faith journey!

No two faith journeys are alike, and that’s the beauty of it – each is a unique dance of trust between the soul and its Creator.

Faith Goals Examples

Let’s explore some faith goals and how you can achieve them.

• Goal : Dedicate 10 minutes each morning to Bible reading.
• Advice : Start with Psalms or Proverbs for daily wisdom and encouragement.
• Scripture : “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
• Goal : Create a nightly prayer routine.
• Advice : Have a dedicated space at home for prayer to build a habit.
• Scripture : “The LORD is near to all who call on him.” – Psalm 145:18
• Goal : Participate in a women’s Bible study or fellowship group.
• Advice : It’s a great way to build deep, faith-centered relationships.
• Scripture : “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
• Goal : Memorize a Bible verse each month .
• Advice : Pick verses that speak to challenges you’re currently facing.
• Scripture : “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11
• Goal : Volunteer at least once a month.
• Advice : Local churches often have outreach programs in need of helping hands.
• Scripture : “Do not forget to do good and to share with others.” – Hebrews 13:16
• Goal : Share your faith story with someone new.
• Advice : Your journey can inspire and uplift others in their walk.
• Scripture : “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story.” – Psalm 107:2
• Goal : Choose one day a week to disconnect from electronics and reconnect with God.
• Advice : Use this time for reflection, reading, or nature walks.
• Scripture : “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
• Goal : Fast from something specific (like social media) for clarity or focus in prayer.
• Advice : Remember to consult with a doctor before any major dietary changes.
• Scripture : “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.” – Matthew 6:17
• Goal : Each evening, jot down things you’re grateful for.
• Advice : Over time, you’ll see how much God is working in your life.
• Scripture : “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” – James 1:17
• Build Faithful Friendships :
• Goal : Seek out godly women for friendship and mutual encouragement.
• Advice : Participate in church events or join Christian women’s groups.
• Scripture : “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

I’ve included scriptures for each to give a biblical foundation.

I hope these faith goals inspire and guide you in your walk with God. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection!

Lord, guide and protect me on my faith journey. Strengthen my trust, renew my hope, and let Your love light my path. In every challenge and joy, may I always feel Your presence. Amen.

Prayer For Your Faith Journey

Heavenly Father, the Author and Perfecter of our faith,

We come before You, acknowledging You as the guiding light on our faith journey.

Every step we take, every challenge we face, we know You are beside us, leading us with Your unfailing love.

Lord, as we navigate the winding paths of our spiritual journey, grant us the grace to trust in You wholeheartedly.

When doubts arise or the road seems uncertain, remind us of Your promises and Your steadfast presence.

Empower us, O God, with the strength to persevere, especially during times of trials and testing.

Let us remember the testimonies of the saints and prophets who have gone before us, drawing inspiration from their unwavering faith.

Provide us with wisdom, Lord, to discern Your will in every circumstance.

May we seek guidance from Your Word, from trusted counselors, and from the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit within.

We pray that our faith journey be marked by growth, transformation, and a deepening relationship with You.

Let our lives be a testament to Your grace, reflecting Your love and compassion to those we encounter.

Above all, Father, we ask for an ever-burning desire to draw closer to You, to know You more intimately, and to serve You faithfully.

Keep our hearts anchored in the truth of the Gospel, and let our steps be firmly rooted in Your ways.

Thank you, Lord, for being our constant companion, our refuge, and our hope.

Guide us, sustain us, and nurture our faith as we journey onward, always seeking Your face.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Join my online women’s Bible study and cultivate meaningful Christian friendships while growing in your faith. Our study resources are designed to guide you in your spiritual renewal and help you deepen your relationship with God. Participate from the comfort of your own home at a time that works for you. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with other women and experience spiritual growth!

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Privacy Overview

Experiencing God on Our Journey of Faith

• Be available to God — don't believe our schedule is too full to find faith.
• Be open to experience God in fresh ways — to encounter him in places and times we don't see as necessarily religious or comfortable.
• Be hospitable to God and his people — welcoming others in the name of God become ways we welcome the presence of "The Holy" into our lives.
• Be committed to right living instead of settling for being religious — right living means we are concerned about pleasing God and how we treat others.
• Be willing to making agenda changes in life — our experiences of God and with God often call us to explore new ideas, new lands, and new people.
• The Psalms : The collection of the Psalms in our Bible offers us the language of life we can use to address God. There are psalms of joy and sorrow, rejoicing and lament, peace and tumult, praise and anger, confidence and desperation. Spend time in the Psalms to help broaden your vocabulary to address God, and you will also find that God is much bigger and much more gracious than you have previously known. In doing so, you will also discover that the Almighty longs to draw near in every situation of life, not just those rosy, all is great, days of spiritual strength.
• Matthew : For 19 centuries, Matthew was the gospel of God's people. When we lost Matthew from our regular reading, we lost a precious gift. Matthew was written to help us know and experience Immanuel — God with us on our journey. Matthew reminds us that we can experience God on our journey through the long story of Scripture that ends in Jesus ( Matthew 1:23 ), radical and loving community ( Matthew 18:20 ), compassionate care of those in need ( Matthew 25:40 ), and in walking beside people until Jesus' will transforms them into authentic disciples ( Matthew 28:19-20 ). {Be sure and read the context of these passages for their full impact!} God wants us to experience him as Immanuel, the God whom we can experience in our journey of faith.

Related Links

• Finding Jesus: Experiencing Jesus as Immanuel
• Leave, God, and Bless!
• C.S. Lewis and the Struggle of Faith

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My Journey of Faith

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Lord! I am Yours! Use me.” I still remember that night, crying out to God in desperate agony and pain. I was done running; I was a broken man. Amid a flood of tears I promised God, “I will go wherever You lead.”

Just hours earlier my wife and I had buried our 10-year-old son—a victim of leukemia. Drawing close to God after many sleepless nights spent in anguished prayer, I made a promise to Him, not knowing where this journey of faith would take me. In a crisis I remembered: “With earnest, fervent prayer, plead for purity of soul. Plead as earnestly, as eagerly, as you would for your mortal life, were it at stake.”¹

Fifteen months later, in May 2001, we flew to the United States to spend time healing with family. I began volunteering at an Adventist academy in Maryland, developing their technology program. Soon afterward I was asked if I would be interested in interviewing for a position at the Ellen G. White Estate. This was a direct answer to prayer. I had been praying that God would open the door for me to become a digital missionary.

Six months later I began working for the White Estate. Always be faithful and put your trust in God, “believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good. Thus, instead of our own way, it leads us to choose His way.”² Ellen White wisely says, “By prayer, by the study of His Word, by faith in His abiding presence, the weakest of human beings may live in contact with the living Christ, and He will hold them by a hand that will never let go.”³

IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL GUIDANCE

My conversion began in eighth grade while attending an Adventist school in Australia. I still remember riding home in the back of a school bus with friends when some of them started doing things that made me uncomfortable. I walked to the front of the bus and plopped down beside a classmate that everyone called a Goody Two-shoes. He was shocked! That decision started my journey toward a new life, one in harmony with my Adventist upbringing. The Bible states, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).

Several weeks of deep conversation during our 1.5-hour daily bus ride to and from school resulted in my friend and I deciding to take baptismal classes with our local pastor. I remember him handing us Steps to Christ , the familiar volume with a picture of Jesus knocking on the United Nations building on the cover.

It was the first time I read an Ellen White book for myself. Its words spoke to me personally, bringing hope and a desire to follow Jesus. I highlighted the following passage when I was 14, and it prepared me for when I needed it most in the future. “God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.”⁴

ALWAYS FOLLOW GOD’S LEADING

Twenty-one years later, while standing in my new office looking at shelves of Ellen White books, I reached for my favorite well-marked copy of Steps to Christ . Thumbing through it, I stumbled upon the quote that, years earlier, had begun my journey of faith. I thanked God for leading me to my new home at the White Estate.

My first task was developing a new strategy for sharing the gift of light—Ellen White’s writings. By the grace of God, the White Estate now has three websites and four Ellen G. White (EGW) Writings apps detailed below that reached nearly 92 million visitors from 200 countries during 2021. Ellen White stated, “My writings will constantly speak, and their work will go forward as long as time shall last.”⁵

ELLEN WHITE ONLINE RESOURCES

Each of our websites focuses on different aspects of our ministry. Our most visited website, egwwritings.org , is an extensive database of both Ellen White and historical materials that encompasses 801,331 pages of digitized data contained within 2,908 books, documents, periodicals, and pamphlets.

The ellenwhite.org website is a complete digital resource study center. Some of its collections include: 1,895 answers to frequently asked questions; 6,570 articles and documents; 53,330 scanned letters and White Estate correspondence; 6,988 archive photographs; a virtual tour of the White Estate visitor center; information about our 23 global branch offices and research centers; lessons plans for teachers; and a Pioneer Adventures section full of activities, stories, and games for children to enjoy.

The whiteestate.org website provides information about the life and ministry of Ellen White and her estate. In addition, it features answers to key questions people may have about Ellen White and her prophetic ministry. It also provides access to featured EGW books, eBooks, and audiobooks on the site.

God used a crisis in my life to accomplish His purpose of providing millions of users, globally, free access to Ellen White’s writings. They have made the difference in my life and can do likewise for you. Remember: “God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as coworkers with Him.”⁶

¹ Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 1, p. 163. ² Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1915), p. 25. ³ Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1905), p. 182. ⁴ Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1892), p. 43. ⁵ E. G. White, Testimonies , vol. 9, p. 7. ⁶ E. G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 479.

Online Collections

Darryl thompson.

Darryl Thompson is the associate director of Media Ministries for the Ellen G. White Estate, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

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My Journey Of Faith: An Encounter with Christ...And how He used me to spread His love to the poor Paperback – March 11, 2016

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• Print length 160 pages
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• Publication date March 11, 2016
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Castle Quay Books (March 11, 2016)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
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1 Peter 1:18-21 The Message

18-21  Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.

Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson

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Welcome to My Journey of Faith!

Objective: To search and conduct in-depth studies on the Scriptures for any underlying  spiritual harmony and to see what conclusions can be drawn.

Premise: This site is meant as an open platform for discussion and not for condemnation. We hope that it will help us on this journey of faith, to come to the understanding that there can be no real conflict within the Scriptures, and that apparent conflicts can be resolved through proper study of God’s Scriptures since He is in control and all Scriptures are inspired by Him.

Awareness: We must understand that Satan and his cohorts are here to disrupt the harmony of relationships among mankind, and his sole purpose is to lead mankind to destruction. We must understand that traditions of man are being used by the Evil One to destroy human relationships as well as to destroy man’s relationship with God. Satan works against God’s eternal purpose and wishes to lead man into spiritual blindness. Somehow, Satan has succeeded in his cunning ways. If you are aware of  this then you are on the journey of faith.

History: We need to learn from history to avoid the same pitfalls. Many are unaware of being blinded spiritually. Satan deceived Adam and Eve by casting doubts in their relationship with God. Not too long ago, Communism used repetition as a way to propagate its teaching. When an idea is spoken forth many times people start to believe it even if it were not true. We live in an age of deep spiritual blindness, so many are in spiritual bondage to sin and fear. It is time to wake up and to be free from all these hindrances to faith. But how? It is both difficult and simple. It requires our undivided devotion to God, humbly walking and communing with Him every moment. It is time to commit and submit completely to Him, His truth and His eternal purposes. If you are willing to commit and submit totally to God, then you are ready for this journey of faith.

Which Scriptures? We are studying the Abrahamic Scriptures: the Tanakh (the Jewish Scriptures), the Gospels (the Injeel) and the Quran. Why these? Undeniably, these Scriptures have changed the course of human history. We see one main architect governing these books, he is none other than God Himself. What is God’s eternal plan for man? Is there a common denominator that brings together all these Scriptures? Yes, look closely, if we have eyes to see: the Tanakh points to the coming of the Messiah, he would be a prophet like Moses; the Gospels are about the Messiah Yeshua, who is of Jewish descent, and the Quran, unique in itself, speaks so highly about the Al Masih Isa (Arabic for Yeshua the Messiah) in that it specifically mentions that it was Allah Himself who gave him that name Al Masih Isa. No other prophet was given that special attention and privilege. Herein lies the spiritual connection: these Scriptures point to one God, and one man, His Messiah Yeshua. The one true God is revealing His eternal plan through His Scriptures – for these Scriptures are His Book.

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Dr. Munira Lokhandwala is a practicing dentist based in Fremont, CA with over 25 years of experience. A spouse, mother, and businesswoman, Munira has single-handedly built a highly successful dental practice in the state of California, USA. In this blog, she sheds light on her experiences and recalls her eventful journey to reach where she is today.

When I was in 10th grade, I accidentally chipped my friend’s tooth and promised that I would somehow make amends for it. It would take me 35 years to make good on that promise.

My career choice began in the Indian education system where, in the 12 th grade, you either choose biology to end up in medical sciences, or math for engineering. My dad wanted me to be a doctor, so I chose to do dentistry in central Mumbai as my first choice in the Government Dental College. 

India to USA

Soon after finishing my degree, I got married and left India to join my husband, who was pursuing his PhD in the United States. I spent my first year in New York before relocating to California for my husband’s new job. Over the next four years, I faced four difficult licensing examinations. I had to put my nose to the grindstone to prepare for them as I was determined to get my dental license in the state of California. 

To practice, I set up a small dental lab in our apartment, where I used plastic teeth and a drill driven by an air compressor purchased from a local hardware store. My loving husband played an essential role, becoming the recipient of countless practice injections. To this date, I get compliments on my painless injection techniques thanks to him. His unwavering support and patience were instrumental in helping me gain confidence for the exams.

Acquiring patients for the licensing examination was another challenge. Unlike the setting of a traditional dental school, I was not surrounded by a ready pool of available patients. Finding the right individuals, obtaining their dental X-rays, and ensuring they would show up on the examination day was a nerve-wracking process. With the support of members of my Dawoodi Bohra community, I managed to assemble a group of patients, each becoming a symbol of the trust and confidence that people were placing in me. These long hours of practicing, late nights studying, and the emotional rollercoaster of the licensing process was all part of the journey that brought me to where I am today.

Building a dental practice from the ground up

After I was awarded my license, I spent four years working in other dental practices to gain valuable experience before deciding to branch out on my own. This allowed me to pick up essential skills which would prove useful down the line.

In 2002, I took a leap of faith and designed and built my own dental office in the city of Fremont.

I had always wanted to open my own practice as this would give me the opportunity to be patient centric and offer the kind of dentistry I would want my loved ones to have.

Something fun that we do yearly in our practice is called ‘Halloween Candy Buy Back !’ After the Halloween celebration, we ask parents to let the kids select some good candy and bring the rest to us, for buy back. We purchase the candy from the kids for $1/pound. This allows them to enjoy part of their Halloween candy and have an incentive to avoid the excess sugar!

Sometimes when you work for other employers, your decisions as a dental practitioner are influenced and guided by their office policies, but having my own practice was so liberating as I had the bandwidth to bring in my own style and ideas to the workplace. The Halloween buy back initiative is one such example.

Throughout my career, I have continued to seek excellence thanks to the incredible support I received from my family. This commitment to learning led me to achieve the distinction of becoming a Fellow and eventually a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. Only 2% of American dentists achieve this distinction. This has enabled me to offer all aspects of general dentistry to my patients at the highest level, so they do not have to seek specialist care outside of exceptional circumstances. I take pride in being capable of doing nearly all dental work in-house.

The balancing act

Along the way, I raised two wonderful sons. This was only possible with the unwavering support of my husband, mother-in-law, and my parents. With their help and prayers, I navigated the delicate balance of being a wife, mother, medical professional, businesswoman, masjid volunteer, and avid reader. 

In my journey of growth as a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community in the field of medical science, faith has always been my guiding light. Its positive impact is evident in my life, as it has given me the strength to overcome challenges and stay focused on my goals. I hope I can continue to help those around me and derive fulfillment from this service.And remember my friend from 10 th grade? She visited me in Fremont after 35 years and I finally got my chance to keep my promise.

All Good Things: Catechist’s Journey Blog Coming to an End

Joe Paprocki Joe's Comings and Goings

Research shows that the average lifespan of a blog is just over two years. Well, I would say we did pretty well here at Catechist’s Journey, which has published continually since 2006—nearly 18 years or nine times the average! Alas, after nearly 3500 posts, it’s time to unplug my Catechist’s Journey keyboard and give thanks to God for such a wonderful experience. Our last post will go up at the end of May, 2024.

Catechist’s Journey began in 2006 as a way to promote my book, The Catechist’s Toolbox (which, by the way, I’m updating; stay tuned!). Before long, however, it evolved into a place where catechists could gather to share ideas, learn new strategies, and find or share inspiration. I can’t thank you enough for your support and companionship on the journey through all these years. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve encountered catechists all over the country who said, “I feel like I know you; I’ve been reading your blog for years!”

I am abundantly grateful to all of the wonderful contributing authors, who helped to add voices other than mine to the conversation. I’m also exceedingly grateful to the following: Terry Locke , former President/Publisher of Loyola Press, for inviting me to start a blog in 2006 (to which I replied, “What’s a blog?”); Joellyn Cicciarelli , current President/Publisher of Loyola Press, for encouraging me to continue the blog through the years and to explore new and different directions; Carrie Freyer , Director of Trade Marketing, for guiding me through the early years of the blog when I was pretty much a one-man show; Linnette Mathys , Senior Marketing Technologist, for ongoing analytical and tech support; and most of all, Denise Gorss , Web Editor, for becoming my “right arm” and handling all of the details “behind the curtain” (editing every post, finding images to enhance posts, coordinating contributing authors, brainstorming and scheduling posts, and much more)—all designed to make Catechist’s Journey the place to be for anyone involved in faith formation!

There is no one reason why we’ve reached this decision. In fact, it’s more like the scene from Forrest Gump in which, after more than three years of running across the country, Forrest stops and says, “I think I’ll go home now.” The time just feels right. However, this doesn’t mean that I’m going away! This will just make space on my plate to dedicate my efforts to new catechetical initiatives. You can still connect with me through our Catholic Faith Formation Facebook group , which I encourage you to follow. Likewise, I also maintain a personal Facebook fan page where we can continue to connect. Finally, the vast archive of catechetical material from Catechist’s Journey will not disappear but will transition to the Loyola Press website, www.loyolapress.com . Subscribe to the Catholic Faith Formation newsletter for content highlights and seasonal resources.

Thanks again for joining me on this journey! You’ve walked with me through my experiences as a catechist at three different parishes (Most Holy Redeemer, St. Cajetan, and St. Barnabas), a variety of age levels (eighth-grade Confirmation, sixth grade, fourth grade, and family catechesis), and my travels around the country, where I thankfully got to meet so many of you in person. Your dedication to catechetical ministry has deeply inspired me!

I recall the final episode of one of my favorite TV shows, Star Trek: The Next Generation, which was aptly titled, “ All Good Things .” Indeed, as the saying goes, “All good things must come to an end.” The journey, however, never ends!

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Coming soon the catechist’s backpack, 8 comments on all good things: catechist’s journey blog coming to an end.

Thank-you, Joe, for your blog which I first discovered as a new DRE after many years as a catechist. I’m now a retired DRE but you never stop being a catechist, even if not in a formal classroom. I learned so much from you, and I still do, in your Pop Ups and other resources that I access through Loyola Press. I wish you the best but also look forward to accessing you through Loyola Press.

I echo this sentiment! Thank you, Joe, for this resource. It has been a gift to me and my ministry for many years. I look forward to your next chapter!

Joe, thanks for your dedication to catechesis and the Church at large. I’ve used your books in faith formation and appreciate your contribution to the archive of great resources! I recently left my professional church position as Director of Faith Formation and will soon be fully retired. This is a transitional time for me as it must be for you as well. Good luck as you continue to develop new catechetical initiatives. May God continue to bless you and your family. Gratefully, Mac

Oh Joe, this is the end of a truly wonderful era! But you have indeed served us all so well, and in so many ways through this amazing blog, and for that I am so truly grateful! I remember meeting you in person for the first time at the Mid Atlantic Conference in Baltimore in 2017 and asking you to take a selfie with me (which you generously agreed to). After forwarding the picture to my young adult kids and getting the response, “Who is this guy?” my response was, “He’s a Catholic superstar!” You have gifted us all tremendously with your insights, your wonderful Pop-Up Catechesis videos (which always made me smile) and your accessible way of communicating. I am so grateful to you and I look forward to continued opportunities to connect and to learn from you. May God bless all your future endeavors!

Say it ain’t so, Joe! I have so enjoyed reading your blog and your other content. Thank you so much for your thoughtful insights. I really hope the content doesn’t go away even for a short time – I was looking forward to reading through all of your family faith posts over the Summer as I redevelop mine. I always think of your resources as a place I can go when I need a pick me up or an idea to freshen things up. Thank you so so much for always “being there.”

God bless you as you listen to His whisperings and move on to whatever He has in store for you.

I am grateful for all you have done through your blog! I have learned so much and have found wonderful resources to share! You made it easy to find time worthy information. Looking forward to seeing the good things that will come!

Joe, Thankyou for all the amazing resources, tips and ideas! I learned a lot from you over the years. I shared so many of your resources with my catechists and Faith Formation families. Your blog will be missed but you’re right, the journey will never end!

I recall you teaching a session at our diocesan Festival of Catechists some years ago in Austin, TX. I so enjoyed your topic and your delivery. Our parish is using the Catechist Toolbox series as faith formation for our catechists. I’ve followed your blog for several years and gotten so much out of it. I’ve listed to many of your webinars and so many things have stuck with me. Thank you for your service to all of us catechists and to the students with whom we walk in faith. May the Lord Bless and keep you as you segue into other ventures.

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