Source:366 Readings From Islam
We define a station as a particular place along the path of refinement. A station is reached by servants of God through their behaviour, their motivation, and their self-discipline. You cannot move from one station to the next, until you have fulfilled the requirements of the first. Those who have not reached the station of serenity, cannot move to the station of trust in God. Those who have not reached the station of trust in God, cannot move to the station of surrender to God. Those who have not reached the station of repentance, cannot move to the station of contrition. Those who have not reached the station of vigilance, cannot move to the station of renunciation.
(Qushayri)