The Process… Eventually, we’ve finally come all the way to the end of some assignment to say those final words- I am finished! It is done! This is over! We have achieved that which we have been given or have chosen to do. It may be; a class project, renovating a bedroom, producing a record, directing a film, writing a book, losing weight, mourning a loss, running a marathon, moving, or completing therapy sessions. Just look at all the events that require a plethora of hours, dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. We’ve decided we want the outcome, which is to get to or be on the other side of this, so we proceed.

ARE WE DONE YET?
It’s typically most people’s desire to arrive at a place of completion. I remember waiting for our house to finish being built for our family. I was really anxious, so much so that I just had to see something brand new added onto the outside or inside of the house every week when we drove by to take a look. Hearing that there was a delay because of the weather or due to waiting on a shipment of materials to show up, became a bit nerve-racking. Not to mention there possibly being a new deadline.

But what I’ve learned and am still learning over time is that everything has a proper plan that may not execute from the perspective that I imagined. By the time we’ve gotten to the middle of our quest, we may find ourselves saying, “Not how I imagined it.” Sometimes along the way, things turn out for the better but then sometimes what feels like worse.

Everything has a beginning, middle, and end. There were meant to be phases and many times one phase must be done before moving on to the next. If we could bypass some of the ground covered in the beginning or middle to get to the end, the part where the work or pain is all far behind us, that would be so much more relieving. But we somehow keep hearing that this thing… called a PROCESS, is necessary. Well is it?

James 1:4– And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

IT’S NECESSARY
The truth is you’ll be imperfect, and incomplete while lacking the experience and knowledge, without pressing through the process. We need the process! There are a series of steps and actions during the process. Major decisions are being created while the right path is being planned. To top it off, let’s just say you’ll probably feel like you’ve been spun around in a few circles, this way and that, in such a way that the wrong path is not taken instead. Combine this with some discomfort and uncertainty so that you will need to activate your faith, and there, the results are….. you’re on track. Kinna how it feels. These things happen in order for God to work out our character. And because no matter what we’re trying to do, he is still and will always be trying to get our attention and bring us back closer to him and his will for our lives. Aaaah….. so there you have it. In the end, it really will be what’s truly best…

Philippians 1:6– For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

The 5 T’s
During the process, it will take these things-
Time– It will be taken.
Teaching– You will need to research and learn some things.
Testing– You will be tried and tested with challenges, opposition, and in your faith.
Tackling– You will need to put in that work!
Trusting– You will need to trust God and hold that vision steady in front of your face, seeing it before the process is finished.

I DON’T LIKE IT
If you’ve never liked the process, I can say you’re not alone. Most times a series of things will need to take place before you can gain an understanding or reach your reward. A productive process will make you feel like “you’ve earned it” when it’s all said and done. The key is also to not have to repeat the same process over and over again but learn from it. Yes, we need to take time to understand this underappreciated phrase called “the process”. So the next time you hear someone say, “It’s a process”, lets be somewhat patient and realize that they may have to endure a thing or two. And finally, during the process, never overlook an absolutely amazing  journey!