It's Okay Not To Be Okay By Sheila WalshSample

Day Five: Trust the Process

I’ve walked many dark roads—my father’s suicide when I was little, chronic depression, miscarriages… For a long time, I believed that if I tried harder, prayed harder, everything would be better. Anxiety filled my mind. I tried to run through the valley as fast as possible, but it never worked. 

Then I found a little light in the story of Joseph. 

Here was a young man who understood what it meant to long for deliverance. In a very short time, Joseph went from being the favored son, to an Egyptian slave, then a prisoner for a crime he didn’t commit. It is easy to become bitter in times like this, but Joseph stayed faithful to God and devoted himself to the work at hand. He was even entrusted with running the jail. 

Years with no deliverance and Joseph became impatient. Joseph interpreted a dream for Pharaoh’s cupbearer, then said, “do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place,” Genesis 40:14, NLT. 

When we don’t see a path through the valley, we try to force our way out. It didn’t work for Joseph and it didn’t work for me. I heard God say, You can run around and try to handle everything yourself, or you can fall on Me and when the time is right, I will deliver you. 

Two years later, at the right time, Joseph was freed. He created a plan to save Egypt from a terrible famine and was made prime minister. Not only was Egypt saved, but also the neighboring people including Joseph’s family, the nation of Israel.  

We cannot see the fullness of God’s plan. But like Joseph, we can be faithful, do the work in front of us as best we can, and trust the process. God has everything in hand. He will deliver.

Reflection Question

How have you tried to work out your own deliverance? In what way can you be faithful right where you are as you wait for God’s timing?

Prayer

Lord, I know your timing is perfect. This doesn’t feel good to me right now, but I trust that you are. Please give me comfort and patience, and help me to trust your deliverance.