PROMISE IN THE PROCESS

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Value the process more than events.” I shared this little quote from John Maxwell during my talk at FREEDOM last night.

It says a whole lot with just a few words don’t you think?

“Value the process” John says. More than events…

Think about that for just a second.

Often it is easy to allow “events” to control our thinking. It is easy for us to allow “circumstances” to dictate our mood or levy our actions. And while “events” can be challenging and even devastating; a death or loss of job, John is reminding us to value the process. In other words, in spite of the “events” we encounter, we should keep the big picture in mind at all times; we should value the "process."

Paul agreed with Mr. Maxwell. He put it this way…

Philippians 3:12

Focused on the Goal

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

It is important for us to “keep running”, to stick to the “process”, to remain steadfast in our faith and our walk even when life’s “events” seek to bring us down or throw us off track. It will be worth it!

James 1:12

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.

My “yesterday” was chocked full of potentially “process crippling”events. There was chaos at work. There were some folks dealing with problems with no apparent solution. There were missed expectations and sour events. I will be honest; I had so many “events” I needed 3 Ibuprofen to get to sleep.

It would have been easy to look for ways to chuck the “process” in light of the “events” and throw my hands in the air and cash out. But the SPIRIT and two good friends kept reminding me, “keep running, meet the challenge” stick to the “process”.

Philippians 1:6

And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.

My friends, there is power and promise in perseverance! There is joy to be discovered and experienced in the “process”; even when the “events” make it painful.

James 1:2

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles (EVENTS) come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

Perhaps the “events” have been piling up on you. Perhaps the trials and troubles are mounting and you are questioning this walk with Christ, this process. Maybe you are questioning if it get better or when will things change.

Stay the course. Stick to the process.

GOD is faithful and in the end you will experience the “promise of the process.”

Romans 5:3-5

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.

Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Have a blessed day…

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney