The Process and the Prize

There is a process to our life journey. In everything we experience, everything we desire, and everything we hope for, there is a process we must go through to get to the other side and obtain that which we long for. Whether we desire a relationship, financial resources to meet our most desperate need, healing from a physical condition, or a time of resting, we all must go through the process. Generally, that process is longer and harder than we would like it to be and sometimes we don’t feel able to go through it.

Sometimes we are called to wait. When we go through the waiting period, there are things we need to be doing. If we sit and soak in misery, shame, hurt, fear or anxiousness, we limit what we can accomplish and experience through the process. The Bible is clear about how to experience peace and contentment through our life journey:

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (AMP)

So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, “The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 (AMP)

Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (AMP)

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you. Philippians 4:8 (AMP)

Have you been waiting for an answer to prayer for you or someone you love? Are you facing a task or event that seems too overwhelming to bear? Are you experiencing a financial crisis and are wondering how you are going to make ends meet? Are you faced with a death or separation of a spouse or some other broken relationship? When we are bent over and weary in the face of trials and tribulations, God tells us to take a stand. He tells us that He is with us, He is carrying us, and He will help us. Do you believe that? Even though it is hard to do sometimes, we need to force ourselves to stand on God’s Word. Take it at face value. Don’t reason it out, simply stand on His Word and receive His promises.

God tells us that He will travel the journey with us THROUGH the trial. There is a process and there is a prize at the end of the process. Although the ultimate prize is eternity with Jesus, there are other mini prizes on earth throughout our journey of life. Some of these prizes include: peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Are you struggling with the process while waiting for your prize? Stand up, stand firm, position yourself and walk the journey with confidence that Jesus is on the journey with you, walking with you, carrying you, scooping you up, and giving you His strength. Hold out for the prize He has waiting for you.