How To Enjoy The Process

Last year, one of my very good friends experienced some challenges. The most frustrating one was related to finding a job. She applied to many companies, prayed so much about the application and expected things to work out, but regret letters kept on coming. She was finally called for an interview in one company, she performed very well but told me she doesn't like the company. Painfully, another 'we regret to inform you' happened. At this point, she just couldn't take it again. She called me and just couldn't take my usual, 'things will fall into place' talk. My attempt to go that line got her so angry.

At this point of great frustration and anger, I told her, 'When all these will be over, which I know will happen, will you be proud of yourself? What will be your story? How will you tell younger Christians you acted at this challenging time'. After the call she sent me a text on how what I said couldn't get off her mind. Just a few weeks after the conversation, she got a very great job. Last week, she told me, 'CCN, today my life is exactly as I've always wished it to be, I just can't stop thanking God'.

Dear reader, I don't know what your experience today is, but my question for you is: What are you seeing? Ask yourself, how did this experience end? God sometimes allows us to go through challenging times and if you understand that 'it came to pass' you will begin to enjoy the process. This has been my life since I knew the Lord. I've constantly seen beyond the temporal challenges and got excited about the future. During my secondary school days, I had to push wheelbarrows to get through, and I enjoyed it. The work attracts a lot of insults and derogatory statements from people. Everyone treats you as if you're nothing. Each time I heard those derogatory words, I said to myself, 'If only she/he knows who I am'.

I saw myself after that period and the pictures I was seeing were real to me. I saw myself speaking to a great crowd about my journey and I could see how the wheel barrow experience was making the story even more interesting. I conquered great challenges just by focusing my eyes on the life after the challenges that I could see. Then in the village, if I see that some persons were pitying me. I was like, 'If only they know how much am pitying them'. And really, I was pitying a lot of people despite that they had far more privileges than me. I could see where I was going. Nothing people said moved me. In fact, looking back today, I always wonder what kind of teenager I was then.

So my dear, 'stop observing lying vanities', focus on the future God is showing you. Clean your tears and develop different mindset about how it all ends. The heartbreak may be very painful but what can you see about your life after the experience? The sickness may have lasted for a long time, but can you see yourself telling people in the future how you overcame? Stop allowing the present to take away your happiness, 'it came to pass'. Jesus went through the crucifixion experience as a victor. When you hear His response to Pilate, you will understand how he reacted to the situation.

The bible says,
'We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.' (Heb. 12:2)

CAN YOU SEE THE JOY AWAITING YOU?