Finding Joy in the Process

A couple of weeks ago I was journaling and as I was thinking of my journey and how uncomfortable I was in my current situation and the idea of having joy in the process came to mind. I was like, yes, this would be a great blog topic. Being stretched and going through an uncomfortable situation is undoubtedly hard, but sometimes we put too much emphasis on the situation then what God is developing in us. Instead of asking why me in the since of why am I going through this situation, ask why me as in why God is allowing me to go through this season of being pressed.  What is God trying to grow in me that I need for the next level or step in my journey?

Sweater: A&E Skirt: Express Shoes: Doc Martens

Our tendency to want to jump from level to level without doing the work is what causes us the most harm in our spiritual journey. But God is a good father and He is going to always make sure that we are prepared. Most of the time we are not aware of our blind spots or the areas of our lives that God needs to build in order to bless us. That’s why trusting God’s plan and walking in obedience is essential. He has the ultimate blueprint, trust me He is a lot smarter than we are. And He knows us better than we think. Why do we believe the creator of all things doesn’t get us? He sent his son Jesus just to show us that He does.

I won’t lie to you, life can feel heavy and moving into territory where your future looks murky is scary. Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is barely visible or we can’t see it at all. Yep, I’ve been there. Currently, the light is getting a lot closer. But I made the choice to focus on God’s goodness and provision instead of the pressure of my circumstance. I made the choice to wake up every day and rejoice in the good in my life. Most of us who live in the Unites States have what we call first world problems. We really have it good but yet we feel entitled to more. But whether we like or not we are not entitled to more and more takes more work. “…And to whom whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required; and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.” Luke 12:48. I know saying it like that makes it sound super easy but what we choose to focus on makes a difference. And if you’re having trouble making that choice, ask God for help. Sometimes my prayers take the form of simply God help me through this moment. I also listen to worship music to get me in the presence of God. But I believe what helps me the most is the fact that I have made my daily meeting with God a priority in my life. We have to make room for His presence or all of this is for nothing. God never reveals the entire story but He does give us a strategy in steps and we have to be connected to Him to get that information.

Secondly, I turn off the comparison button within me. Focusing on your own journey makes it a lot easier to forget about what other people are doing. When you understand how valuable you are and how valuable your gifts and talents are to the Kingdom of God and to the world the goings on of other people’s lives don’t seem so important. We all have a sphere that God has called us too and has ordained for us to win in. We have to remember that in order to remain focused through the difficult times. We have to remember to look within and not around. Nobody has had it easy but we tend to make ourselves believe that somehow they’ve had it easier than us. Long term success in anyone’s life comes from a journey filled with hard work, falling, getting up and never quitting. Don’t get caught up in the highlight reel of social media, it can be super misleading. No one’s life is a breeze all the time. But if we work through the tough times with a sense of purpose and remembering that God has always come through, we’ll not only come out on the other side blessed but so much better.

Keep this at the forefront of your mind, God has a plan. God is not arbitrary and if we ask for wisdom and direction He freely gives it to us. Stretching and discomfort are the necessary elements to us becoming the better versions of ourselves. Regardless of how hard it is we are all really blessed.

With Love,

Cree

Photos By: Lucretia Scruggs