Faith’s Journey: From Belief to Complete Surrender

The 3 Levels of Faith: From Belief to Surrender

Faith is not a singular concept but a journey—one that moves through stages of growth, challenge, and ultimate surrender. While many people associate faith solely with religion, its depth extends far beyond that. Faith shapes how we respond to life’s uncertainties, trials, and triumphs. Let’s explore the three levels of faith and how they shape our spiritual walk.

1. Faith of Religion

This is where most people begin. It is the faith inherited from family, culture, or personal decision—a belief in God, religious teachings, and spiritual practices. At this stage, faith is often intellectual and structured. It provides a foundation but may still lack the depth that comes from personal experience with God.

2. Faith of Desperation

This is the faith we cling to when life feels impossible. When faced with illness, financial struggles, heartbreak, or loss, we cry out to God. It’s raw, urgent, and deeply personal. This level of faith often feels like survival—it forces us to trust God out of sheer necessity. While it may not be comfortable, it refines us, teaching reliance on something greater than ourselves.

3. Faith of Surrender- This is the highest level of faith—the kind that holds reality in full view without denial or escapism. It is the ability to embrace life’s joys and hardships with gratitude, peace, and contentment in God.

As St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote:

“We should not fix our desires on health or sickness, wealth or poverty, success or failure, a long life or a short one. For everything has the potential of calling forth in us a deeper response to our life in God.”

Faith of surrender doesn’t mean passivity—it means radical trust. It is the faith that says, “God, whatever deepens Your life in me, that is what I choose.”

Active Faith vs. Passive Faith

Faith is not just belief—it is both an active pursuit and a test of endurance. Understanding the difference between active and passive spirituality helps us navigate our journey.

Active Spirituality – The Faith We Initiate

These are the steps we take to strengthen our faith:

1. Step out in faith – Move forward even when you don’t see the full picture.

2. Practice gratitude – Shift your focus from what’s missing to what God has provided.

3. Surround yourself with people of faith – Community strengthens belief.

4. Ask God for more faith – Faith grows when we seek it.

5. Wait on God – One of the greatest signs of faith is the ability to calmly wait for God’s timing, guidance, and direction.

Passive Spirituality – The Test of Faith

This is the faith we don’t choose, but must endure. Life presents challenges that test our trust in God. How do we respond?

1. Surrender – Let go of control and trust that God is working, even when we don’t understand.

2. Stay faithful – Continue to believe, even in silence, suffering, or uncertainty.

St. Teresa of Avila reminds us

“Let nothing disturb you; let nothing make you afraid; all things pass; but God is unchanging. Patience is enough for everything. You who have God lack nothing. God alone is sufficient.”

True faith is not just about believing in God—it is about believing God. It is the faith that, even in the darkest valleys, chooses trust over fear, surrender over resistance, and peace over worry. Whether in moments of active seeking or through trials of endurance, faith is a journey toward deeper union with God.

May we all strive for the faith of surrender—the faith that holds on, lets go, and trusts that God alone is enough.

Charlene Isaga

Blog Author