The Spiritual Journey

The spiritual journey is a lifelong process of noticing God’s movement and learning to respond. Like windmills drawing life-giving water, we install new “fins” in each season to catch the Spirit’s wind. Doubt, dryness, or even crisis aren’t detours—they’re part of the path. Wherever you are, lean in. God is already at work.

The Map

The spiritual journey simply begins with an ordinary person who answers the call to begin the adventure. Along the way, they will absolutely need the help of mentors as they learn new things. Inevitably, learning leads to struggles, doubts, and frustrations that frequently lead to revelation and transformation! The fun about looking at the journey this way is that it is certainly ‘God’s story of me’ but if we understand the journey well, it can actually become the map by which we understand the stories of those we begin to mentor as we discern who it is we are invited to accompany… ‘God’s story of you.’

The Tool Kit

Farmers in the west learned that if they could harness the power of the wind to drive the fins of a windmill, they could pump water from under the earth to bring water to the surface to then feed themselves and their community.

When it comes to our spiritual journeys, if the Holy Spirit is the wind, and God’s kingdom is the water, it is our purpose, as followers of Jesus, to consider what ‘fins’ we need to install in our lives to capture the wind and bring life for ourselves and the community around us. If Jesus invites us to love God with all of our heart, soul, and strength, what ‘fins’ are we needing to respond to that invitation?

For example…

For a Lifetime

The spiritual journey is neither linear, nor binary. However, it is a progression of development with phases of growth. As we grow, we never 'leave behind' phases we've grown in but rather take those phases with us to continue to grow in the next phase. It's important to note that phases of 'crisis' or doubt are not signals of a losing faith or even backsliding, but are parts of the process of growth. The goal in considering this journey is not to 'reach the end' as quickly as possible, but rather, to live fully into whatever phase we are in, trusting the slow work of God to continue to progress us in His timing, not our own. What phases do you find yourself in?

Questions?

Pastor of Community Development

JAKOB BROWN -

Ask Me About our communications, online, hospitality, and what we’re doing to disciple and care for the next generation.

Jen Webster -

Associate Director of Community Development

Ask Me About Disability inclusion and support group ministries at Discovery and Counseling needs including scholarships for counseling services.