Beyond Religion: How True Faith Transforms Everything?

From Religion to Relationship: A Conversation with Paul Figel

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? Is faith just about doing the right things—going to church, reading the Bible, and praying—or is there something deeper that transforms everything about who we are?

In my latest podcast episode, I sat down with my friend Paul Figel, and we had one of the most raw, insightful, and challenging conversations about faith, identity, and the journey from religion to relationship with Christ.

The Illusion of Faith Without Transformation

Paul, like many of us, grew up in a culture where Christianity was a way of life. But he realized that while Jesus was prominent in his environment, He wasn’t truly important in his heart.

For years, Paul practiced spiritual disciplines—praying, reading Scripture, and attending church—but something was missing. He was checking all the right boxes, yet feeling disconnected from the very God he was supposed to be following. It wasn’t until he hit a moment of complete surrender that everything changed.

“I was reading the Bible morning, noon, and night… yet I was still stuck in cycles of sin and emptiness.”

It’s a story many can relate to—doing everything “right” but still feeling like something is off. That disconnect between religious practice and genuine faith is what Paul breaks down in this episode.

Endurance: Running, Faith, and Spiritual Growth

One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was how Paul’s love for running mirrors his faith journey. Running long distances requires endurance, discipline, and a willingness to push through discomfort—just like following Christ.

Paul shared how he trained for his half-marathon, facing setbacks and struggles but ultimately finding clarity, peace, and focus through the process. He even compared his physical endurance to the spiritual endurance required to truly walk with Jesus.

“There’s a point in a run where everything in you wants to quit—but if you push through, you find strength you didn’t know you had. Faith is the same way.”

What Changed Everything? The Moment of Surrender

Many people believe in God, read the Bible, and even try to live morally—but there comes a defining moment when we must ask ourselves: Have I truly surrendered my life to Christ?

For Paul, that moment came during a deep personal struggle, when he knelt before God and gave up his fight to control his own life. That’s when faith stopped being about checking religious boxes and became a real, daily relationship with Jesus.

He describes how after that moment, things started to change:

• Music that once felt normal suddenly felt empty

• Sin that once seemed small became unbearable

• Scripture that once felt dry became alive and deeply personal

“I didn’t stop listening to certain music because I thought it was ‘wrong’—I just lost my desire for it. It didn’t feed my soul anymore.”

This transformation wasn’t about behavior modification. It was about a new heart, a new mind, and a new identity in Christ.

Faith That Stands in a World That Pushes Back

In a world that increasingly challenges faith, Paul and I discussed the importance of knowing what we believe and why. It’s easy to grow up in a Christian environment and simply adopt the faith of those around us. But what happens when we’re faced with opposition? When our beliefs are challenged?

“You have to ask yourself: If I was born somewhere else, would I still believe what I do? Have I really sought out the truth, or am I just following what I inherited?”

Final Thoughts: A Call to Seek and Surrender

This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a challenge to reflect on where we truly stand in our faith.

• Are we just practicing religion, or are we living in true relationship with Jesus?

• Are we seeking truth with all our hearts, or just going through the motions?

• Have we truly surrendered, or are we still holding back parts of our lives?

If you’ve ever wrestled with these questions, this episode is for you.

💬 What part of Paul’s story resonated with you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!