It is a Process

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 (New King James Version)

It is easy to become discouraged over the seemingly slow process of spiritual growth. I am learning (relearning) the truth that God’s work in me is NEVER at warp speed. It took years for me to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally, and it will take a life time for me to grow spiritually. The renewing of my internal world is a day by day process. Even though I am in a hurry, God is not. He wants it to last and to run deep.

He knows my tendency to just want to learn a lesson and move on. Many are the times I think, “Just give me the missing puzzle piece for this problem and I am good to go!” And my Father has to then take me aside and correct my faulty belief. He wants me to understand that each trial and difficult situation I face is not to be looked at as an individual puzzle that needs to be put together only to quickly move to the next one. The entire course of my life is a “puzzle” that God is masterfully putting together to bring about His portrait of beauty. Lessons learned from one experience will be carried over to the next. He does not waste time, material, or opportunities to teach me His tools for living.

While it is necessary for me to see this, it is also necessary for me to see things to avoid.

*Comparing my life with others. I must see that each portrait that God works on is unique and special. He makes no duplicates.
*Dishonesty. Hiding the truth or denying what is really going on inside my heart and head will not work. God requires truth in the inward parts and He will bring me to the point of honesty each and every time. This morning it was once again a matter of admitting to Him and myself my core beliefs about situations and individuals.
*Distrust. Nothing does more damage to my ability to follow and embrace Him with abandon than that of not trusting Him to do what He says He will do and be what He says He is.

May I, like Solomon, ask God to teach me the very things I am not skilled in.

Father, I so often come to You with an “all grown up” mentality but in reality I am still a child in many respects. Help me to learn and grow at the rate You know is best. Amen.