What is the Spiritual Journey?

Understanding the Spiritual Journey

A spiritual journey is a path that each person walks in search of meaning, purpose, and a deeper connection with God. It’s not something that happens in an instant, but rather a long, ongoing process that stretches over time. For some, it’s a journey of growth, learning, and healing. For others, it’s about finding hope, forgiveness, or simply feeling connected to something greater than themselves.

In the Bible, we see two very different people—Apostle Paul and Mary Magdalene—who went through their own unique spiritual journeys. Their stories show how God works in different ways to transform lives.

Proverbs 3:6 (KJV) – "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Stages of the Spiritual Journey

While no two journeys are the same, there are some common stages that many people experience along the way.

1. Awakening – The First Step

The spiritual journey often begins with an awakening—a moment when you realize there's something more to life than what you've been experiencing. This can happen in many ways: through a life event, a conversation, a personal struggle, or a quiet reflection. It’s the moment when you sense that there’s a deeper purpose or calling waiting to be discovered. For some, it’s a sudden revelation; for others, it’s a slow, gentle pull.

For Paul, his awakening came in the most dramatic way possible. While he was on a mission to persecute Christians, he was struck by a vision of Jesus. This powerful moment stopped him in his tracks and turned his life around. He went from being a relentless enemy of Christians to one of the most passionate apostles of Christ.

Acts 9:4-5 (KJV) – "And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest."

Similarly, for Mary Magdalene, her awakening came through healing. Jesus freed her from the grip of demons that had controlled her life for years. This profound experience of being set free ignited a new desire in her heart to follow Jesus wherever He went.

Luke 8:2 (KJV) – "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils."

2. Seeking and Learning – Gaining Understanding

Once the awakening happens, the next stage is seeking and learning. This is where the journey begins to take shape. At this stage, the seeker starts to ask important questions: "What is this calling?" "What does this new path mean for my life?" "How can I grow in my faith and understanding?"

For Paul, after his dramatic encounter with Jesus, he spent time alone in the desert to reflect and learn. This wasn’t a time of isolation, but a time of deep learning and spiritual growth. He had to unlearn much of what he had known before and replace it with a new understanding of God and His purpose for his life.

Galatians 1:17-18 (KJV) – "Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus."

For Mary Magdalene, the learning phase came through being in Jesus’ presence. As she followed Him, she heard His teachings, witnessed His miracles, and saw the way He loved and healed others. Her understanding grew deeper each day, and she became one of the most faithful followers, devoted to Him even when others turned away.

John 20:16-18 (KJV) – "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master."

3. Trials and Testing – Staying Strong

Every journey has its challenges, and the spiritual journey is no different. It’s one thing to begin walking in faith, but it’s another to stay committed when life gets tough. Trials test your trust in God and reveal what’s truly in your heart. The tests may come in different forms: suffering, disappointment, or moments of doubt. These challenges refine your faith and make you stronger.
For Paul, the trials were not few. He faced constant danger, beatings, imprisonment, and even shipwrecks. Yet through it all, he learned that God's grace was sufficient for him, even in his weaknesses. His faith grew stronger through every trial, and he learned to depend on God in ways he never thought possible.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) – "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

For Mary Magdalene, her trial came at the crucifixion of Jesus. She watched the man who had healed her and loved her suffer and die. In that moment of grief, it seemed like all hope was lost. But even in her sorrow, she stayed near Jesus. Her perseverance paid off, and she was the first to see Him after His resurrection.

Mark 16:9 (KJV) – "Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene."

4. Surrender and Transformation – Letting Go

A crucial part of the spiritual journey is surrendering—letting go of old ways and giving up control. It’s about recognizing that God’s plans are greater than your own, and trusting Him with the direction of your life. Surrender doesn’t mean giving up your identity; it means offering your heart to God and allowing Him to transform you.

For Paul, surrender meant giving up his life as a respected Pharisee, his career, and his status. He found that knowing Jesus was far more valuable than all he had before. His transformation was complete when he gave up everything to follow Christ and serve others.

Philippians 3:7-8 (KJV) – "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."
For Mary Magdalene, surrender was shown in her devotion to Jesus. She had been a woman of many struggles and sins, but Jesus freed her. Her life was no longer about herself but about living for Jesus. Her transformation wasn’t instant, but as she surrendered to Him, her life took on new meaning and purpose.

Luke 7:47 (KJV) – "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little."

5. Living with Purpose – Sharing the Faith

Once you’ve gone through the previous stages, the journey becomes about living with purpose—using what you’ve learned to serve others. This is the stage where your life becomes a testimony of God’s work in you. You start to see your role in the bigger picture and begin living to fulfill God's purpose for your life.

For Paul, his purpose was clear: to spread the gospel to the world. He traveled tirelessly, preaching to Jews and Gentiles alike, sharing the message of salvation and starting new churches. His life was dedicated to the mission of spreading the love of Christ.

Philippians 1:21 (KJV) – "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
For Mary Magdalene, her purpose was to spread the news of Jesus’ resurrection. She became the first to witness the risen Christ and, filled with joy, she told others about the miracle she had experienced.

John 20:18 (KJV) – "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord."

6. Union with God – The Final Goal

The final stage of the spiritual journey is union with God. This is the culmination of all the steps—the moment when you come into complete communion with God, experiencing His presence in fullness. It’s the realization that your journey is leading you to a deeper, eternal relationship with the Creator.

For Paul, this meant knowing that after his earthly struggles, he would receive a crown of righteousness from God. He had fought the good fight and completed his race, and now awaited the reward that God promised him.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV) – "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." For Mary Magdalene, union with God came through her unshakable love for Jesus. After His resurrection, she was sent to share the news of His ascension, knowing that her bond with Him would last forever.

John 20:17 (KJV) – "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father."

Closing Thoughts

The spiritual journey is a continuous process of growth, learning, and transformation. It's not about reaching perfection but about consistently seeking God's presence and allowing Him to shape us through each experience. Like Paul and Mary Magdalene, our journey is unique, filled with moments of awakening, challenges, and surrender that lead us closer to God's purpose for our lives.

No matter where you are on your journey, remember that each step, no matter how small, is meaningful. Keep moving forward with faith, knowing that God is always with you, guiding you toward deeper intimacy with Him. Your journey, though challenging at times, will ultimately lead to a life of purpose and union with God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) – "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

A Call to Deepen Your Journey

Each step of your spiritual journey is important, but the journey doesn’t end with one stage—it’s an ongoing process. As you continue to grow in your faith, you’ll find that your relationship with God becomes more intimate, and you’ll experience new seasons of growth, challenge, and spiritual discovery.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into your spiritual journey and learning more about the lives of those who followed Jesus closely, consider joining our 7-day course on the Twelve Disciples of Jesus. This course will guide you through the lives of the disciples and help you reflect on how their journey can inspire and encourage you on your own path of faith. You can find more details and sign up for the course here.

Philippians 3:14 (KJV) – "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Join Us on Your Journey

If you're looking for support, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of your spiritual journey, join our Bible Study Club. Our community offers:

•    A 7-day study to guide your journey
•    Bible verse prompts to inspire reflection
•    Group discussions for support
•    Scripture devotionals to keep you connected
•    Digital wallpapers with encouraging scriptures
•    A free book donation when you continue after your trial

Let’s walk this journey together. Join our Bible Study Club.