Enjoy the Process of Being Processed…

As I look around my house, there are dishes to be done, laundry to  be folded and kids homeschool assignments to be graded, but yet I’m compelled to take the time out to encourage you today; probably because I’m the one who needs it the most on some days. Lol…It’s all good though.  I’m learning to embrace the process of being processed!  I hope that when you read all my crazy blogs, you don’t think for a second that this gal thinks she has it altogether because I will be the first to contest to you that I’m far from that finish line.  In fact, I’ve  joyfully learned  that I’m  much like the tortoise in Aesop’s Fables, “The Tortoise and the Hare.”   I gladly relieve myself of the responsibility of being the hare to others who can run that race faster and better.  I’m just trying to get a pace that works for me.  However, I admire those who can run that race with such vigor, I just happen to be a little slower is all.  Maybe that is one of the keys to being processed through life, is to embrace where you are at.  I think as I get older, I’m realizing that there is freedom that comes with that process.  There’s that word again. Process.  

Let’s look up what that word means in Webster’s dictionary, and then let’s take a look at what the Greek word for it in the bible says about it.   I think you will find it interesting—I know I did. Webster’s definition says, it is a noun and it is a series of changes in developing something. An act or way of doing something. A court summons. Prepare by a special process.  The Greek word for process in the Greek translation is Teleo . It means:

to bring to a close, to finish, to end passed, finished to perform, execute, complete, fulfill, (so that the thing done corresponds to what has been said, the order, command etc.) with special reference to the subject matter, to carry out the contents of a command with reference also to the form, to do just as commanded, and generally involving the notion of time, to perform the last act which completes a process, to accomplish, fulfill to pay of tribute "It is finished or paid" John 19:30.

I loved that it referred to the scripture where Jesus is on the cross and He says, “It is finished!” In other words, I’ve take care of it all—it’s made complete!” Of course, He is referring to our salvation in Him but I love to think the work of the cross gives us victory in other areas of our lives, too.  Let’s talk about that for a moment.

            Many times in my life I’ve started things and haven’t been able to complete them due  to my frustrations, lack of patience and unwillingness to persevere.  Simply put the  process was too much at times and I quit.  Maybe it was a diet, an exercise regimen, writing a book or bible study that I had an idea for, etc.  My list goes on and on I’m afraid. I told you I was no expert at this and probably don’t even qualify to even tell you about this whole process-lol.  Except that I believe while we are in the middle of being processed is when we are at our greatest because when we are weak, God is strong!!   I laugh now at my immaturity through the years and even  still now at times, but also find it sad that I wasn’t able to tap into God’s grace for me.  Instead, my flesh would take over and allow me to get so caught up on focusing on the end result that I failed to embrace and learn what I needed to on my journey in getting there. Isn’t that the most important part of the trip? Think about that for a second.  What good does it do to go on a trip and not take time to enjoy the journey?  Why even bother going?  Unfortunately, I was like that and I know there are a lot of  other people who can get caught up in that mindset even, too. We simply want what we want when we want it and we don’t want to put the work into getting there. Our walk with God is also a process that many people quit on because they aren't getting the results fast enough.  We demand that God just deliver us and make it happen.  Delayed gratification got thrown out the window.  Funny because, discipline is delayed gratification in action!—Hello!!

 I could’ve definitely fit in with all the Israelites being exiled out of Egypt during their journey through the desert for 40 years.  They whined and complained the whole way and wanted to give up so many times, but God allowed Moses to grace them through the process and even processed Moses through it, too.  Gotta love that!

            Looking back at the Greek meaning, we see it stating, “To fulfill so that the thing done corresponds to that has been said, the order, command.” What has been ordered and commanded? What needs to be fulfilled here?  Jesus dying on the cross ordered and commanded that everything for us believers has been finished and completed through His death and resurrection, right?  Of course, we are talking spiritual here, but God’s word tells us to walk in spirit and in truth, so we can take that same order and command that was done on the cross to our physical lives here on earth.  You see, God wants us to fulfill our destiny’s in Him.  He wants us to close out, finish, execute and finish the good works He started in us.  This is what God’s Word is saying to us.  We can do this only one way and that is through His grace at work in our lives daily. This simply brings me hope and joy knowing that my process in life with daily struggles was ALREADY processed on the cross! The process is part of the bigger Process, if you will.  Does that make sense?  Can I get, “Amen!” or am I the only one excited about this good news today. 

            When I take my daily process of life, the good , the bad and even the ugly and apply it to God’s truth—I come out victorious no matter what my days bring.  The order and command has been set and fulfilled through Jesus.  My job is to agree with this process, this command and order by believing in His word and embracing the process being worked in me.  The Word tells us that He who began a good work in me, WILL finish it to completion.   However, I must allow myself to throw off every hindrance of frustration, impatience and false expectation that might hinder me from walking in this truth.  Remember, we walk in the spirit and in truth—this is worship!  Frustration, impatience and false -high expectations are not from God—that is the law keeping you down, saying you’re not enough and never will be! However, God brought Jesus who fulfilled (THE PROCESS—IT IS FINISHED!!) that law and finished the process of life for us.  Here is the ONLY process we need to know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life—now that is the process you should joyfully and willing to be  processed in-lol!! 

            Where are you at in the process?  Are you stuck and defeated? Be encouraged today as you walk around those circumstances staring back at you.  Don’t become overwhelmed, frustrated or impatient.  Instead, allow yourself to be processed—be made complete today with God’s love and mercies that are made to you daily!