“Process” is one of those words that may get us some “ughs” or eye rolls because it usually means there is a “wait” to get to something we want. I’ll be the first to admit that I have definitely had those reactions myself a time or two but one thing I have learned in my journey with the Lord is that the process, though wearying at times, is very much necessary.
The word process is defined by Webster’s dictionary as “a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end”. Meaning you don’t just go from A to Z, there is usually something that has to happen in the middle.
Galatians 6:9 is often used in relation to giving but the Lord has used it for many years to encourage me through many “waiting” seasons in my life.
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9 NLT
Wow, what good news! God has not forgotten about us in the process! It has a purpose!
Even as I was writing this blog, the Holy Spirit showed me things I had not realized before.
The number 7 is pretty significant to God. It symbolizes perfection or completion. I don’t think it is a coincidence that the words “process” and “promise” both have 7 letters. The Holy Spirit showed me that it takes a “process” to get to the “promise” which ultimately leads to the perfection/completion. How awesome is that!
Now, let’s talk about butterflies. Beautiful to look at right? Well, that beauty doesn’t just happen overnight. There is a process that butterflies go through to end up as the beautiful winged creatures we enjoy. And part of that process includes the not so pretty “cocoon stage”. Many people think of this as a “resting” stage but there’s actually not much resting going on. There is actually a radical transformation taking place. Once it has done all its forming and changing the adult butterfly emerges.
Just like with the butterfly, God can do a lot in us during our “cocoon” phase. The times where to others it doesn’t look like much is happening and seems we are even in a “holding” pattern are sometimes where we experience some of the greatest growth in our lives.
I know from personal experience that there are times where we want something so badly and think we are ready but really, we are not.
When I was in my mid to late twenties, I thought I was so ready to get married. It seemed to always be on my mind. I would go through the “when God when” every time one of my friends got engaged. The older I got, the harder it was. That is, until I truly submitted the desire to the Lord and allowed Him to take me through HIS process. It was in this process where I was able to heal from past bad relationships, wrong mindsets and truly learn from Him. I learned who I was in Christ, which completely shifted my thinking and expectations when it came to godly relationships. It was in this process where I learned what it meant to be a godly wife. I also learned what HE desired me to have in a husband and I trusted Him with it. So, at 36 years old, I married my husband and best friend…the long-awaited promise was fulfilled and in March 2022 we celebrated 8 years of marriage. Had I not allowed myself to go through this process with the Lord I could have missed out on His best for me and God’s best IS ALWAYS WORTH THE WAIT!
Let this worship song encourage you, God is faithful!
Additional encouragement from Scripture:
But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day! Habakkuk 2:3 TLB
For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Romans 5:2-4 TLB
Pursuing His Promises 