My son, Jordan, has been working for his current company for several years. In that time, he has always hoped to take a role in another department. But time and time again he was passed up for the promotion, leaving him disappointed and discouraged.
We can become so frustrated with the delays in our lives. The missed promotion, waiting for a new opportunity, having a healthier relationship, the list goes on and on. We fail to see the work God is doing behind the scenes. Like building a new road, there is a process involved and steps necessary to make it successful:
Level the ground
Before concrete can be poured for a new road, the ground needs to be prepared. Rocks are removed, clean dirt is added as needed, and the surface is raked smooth. God plucks rocks out of our lives too. He removes bad habits, old hurts, and anything that will make our new ground unlevel. Once He does, He fills the space with things that are positive, nourishing, and healthy. Then He smooths over the surface of our hearts and minds, allowing us to heal.
Create a support structure
Now that the ground has become a firm foundation for the road, we need to lay some support structure. If we just poured concrete over the ground, it would run all over and be a terrible, malformed road. Instead their needs to be a plan. Each road has clear sides to hold in the concrete and has rebar or another structure which gives the road strength. In our lives, God uses His word to create boundaries that align with His plans for our path. He reinforces and strengthens us by the Holy Spirit and by placing wise people around us. This equips us for the weight of what’s to come.
Pour the concrete
Once the support structure is in place, the concrete can be poured. But even that requires great detail as the mixture has to be just right. If the concrete is too thick or too thin, it won’t set properly and will lead to structural issues later. God knows the proper mixture we all need and the time it will take to cure properly to create the road He has planned.
The day finally arrived when Jordan was offered the new role! During training, he was “introduced” to one of their largest clients. They didn’t realize Jordan had been working with this client in his previous role. He was already familiar with their products, their process, and knew how to handle their issues. Jordan’s new manager was so impressed that he made him the point person on their project, a role he was now fully prepared for!
There is purpose in the process. God’s ways and timing are not the same as ours. He knows the end product before construction begins. Truth be told, you and I would take every shortcut we could just to get to where we want to go faster. God doesn’t work that way. He would rather the process take longer so what He builds will endure. God is paving the way for us according to His plans and purpose and will always create a firm foundation!
Be blessed!
Jennifer
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8