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I have a dear friend who is a minister. We talk almost every day, and she has a way of counseling, planting seeds and providing insight that makes you think YOU came up with the answer or solution. I often run my issues of life past her. Recently, we were having a conversation about how God is working things out of me and purging me of some of my sinful ways so that He can use me. She laughed when I shared with her that the process is no fun. She tried to convince me that the process isn’t so bad, when finally and adamantly I told her that this process is absolutely no fun, but I’m going through it because I want God to get me where He wants me, and I don’t want to have to come this way again. We both laughed at that because she knew exactly what I meant.
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Too often, as Christians, we like to say the ‘politically correct’ things, sugar coat what I call our ‘pruning process’ and make everything sound like it’s just hunky-dory. “Oh, I just want God to use me for His Glory,” or “I can’t wait to see how God is going to work this out.” Well, I’m more inclined to ‘be real’ and call it like I see it. It’s not always pretty, fun or something to look forward to. Sometimes it’s difficult, uncomfortable and painful to go through some of the things that God allows in our lives. It doesn’t make me love Him any less, nor do I want Him to stop preparing me for the things He has in store for me. But the reality is: it’s not always fun or pleasant on this journey; not if you’re doing it right.
There are some days when I get tired, discouraged or just want to quit, and I start thinking what’s the use? But I’m drawn to and
intrigued with God. I’m anxious to get to the place that He wants me, and I want to know what He’s going to do and how He’s going to do it, when I get there. I realize that in my lifetime I will never fully complete this purging process; completion means perfection, and we know that’s not going to happen. As soon as I think I’ve grown in one area, He shows me another area of growth that needs addressing or fixing.
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But, through it all, I am learning to trust in God. I’m learning to depend on Him. And, I’m learning that even though the process is sometimes painful, the product makes it all worthwhile. So I stay on this journey—sometimes pouting, kicking and screaming—but I’m focused on Him. Honestly, I’m also afraid that if I don’t He might say ‘go back to square one; you’re not ready,’ and I don’t want to come this way again.
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By Kathy Gaillard
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Click “link” to hear “Through It All,” Selah
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXPwLlHeKFw
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