You Were Made to Flourish预览

Day 9: Embrace the Process:

On day 9, we’re talking about embracing the process.

The roots are the main reason for the “time” part of the process. They are the first part to emerge from the planted seed. They anchor the plant to the soil and then continue to expand until they’re strong enough to secure an above-ground harvest.

Roots are a sign of growth, but many find it difficult to keep investing time and energy into something they are not seeing fruit from.

We won’t see overnight results, but we must stay focused, knowing that we’re developing and strengthening our roots—a vital part of the process. There will be a reward, but we have to remain faithful.

Most of us know we shouldn’t give up on God’s promise. But sometimes, instead of completely holding on or completely giving up, we compromise by trying to create a version of the promise on our own. We forget God knows what we need, so we rush to “help.” Unfortunately, that subpar version of the harvest is always more of a burden than a blessing.

This happened to Abram and Sarai (later known as Abraham and Sarah.) In Genesis 17, we see Abram was 100 years old, and Sarai was 90 years old when God promised them a son. This seemed impossible. Even so, they planted that seed deep in their hearts, watered it, and fertilized it.

Years passed, and they saw no sign of their promise. Not even a little sprout! Sarah grew especially weary, so she tried to take matters into her own hands. In her impatience, she told Abram to sleep with her maidservant, Hagar, so that she could bear a child for them. (Crazy, I know!) Well, Abram listened (Even crazier, I know!), and Hagar gave birth to a son named Ishmael.

God loved Ishmael, but he was not the child He had promised. In fact, Ishmael’s birth ended up making life harder for Abram and Sarai for several reasons. First, because it caused Hagar to resent them. Second, when Isaac, their promised son, finally arrived, there was obvious conflict between the half-brothers and their mothers.

Friend, don’t birth an Ishmael just because you’re tired of holding on. Trust God’s timing and believe the seeds you sowed will bring a harvest. God’s word doesn’t return void, so put your faith in Him! Then, keep that faith to the end.

What are you trusting God for right now? I want to encourage you today to thank God while you are waiting. Thanksgiving waters the seed for your future harvest. Even when you don’t see it, God is working. He is faithful to complete the good work He started in you!