The Path of Faith
Understanding how faith in Jesus Christ develops from desire to knowledge helps us recognize where we are and trust the process of spiritual growth.
How Faith Grows in Christ
Faith is not instant certainty, but a journey of growing trust in Jesus Christ. These stages describe how faith develops through desire, action, and experience.
Desire
Faith begins with even the smallest desire to believe.
Permission
We give place in our hearts for Christ's word to take root.
Trust
We act on what Christ teaches us, leaning not on our own understanding.
Obedience
We follow Christ's commands as an expression of love and faith.
Endurance
We continue in faith even when outcomes are delayed or unclear.
Fruit
We recognize the evidence of Christ working in our lives.
Knowledge
Through experience, we come to know Christ and His goodness.
Remember: Faith isn't always linear. You may find yourself returning to earlier stages, and that's normal. Each experiment is an opportunity to grow in one or more of these areas as you trust in Jesus Christ.
How This Relates to Experiments
Each spiritual experiment you try is an opportunity to grow in one or more of these stages. You might practice Desire by giving place for belief, or strengthen Obedience by following through on a commitment.
The experiments are not designed to move you through these stages in order. Instead, they invite you to practice faith wherever you are, trusting that Christ will meet you and help you grow.
Some experiments focus on beginning stages (like awakening desire), while others help you endure or recognize fruit. Choose experiments that resonate with where you feel drawn to grow right now.