For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Today we in America are living in an era where spending long hours preparing and cooking food is almost to be compared with typewriters and dinosaurs! We’ve adhered to and adjusted to the notion of reducing some of the steps; cutting a few corners; while yet expecting the end product to still remain the same. For example; if you are going to bake rolls – the dough must be made, permitted to rise; punched down; reshaped; and then permitted to rise all over again. Then, after more preparation… placed into a hot oven where the process continues. If just one process is eliminated; if just one ingredient is measured incorrectly; if just one condition adjusted – the end product will not produce the expected and anticipated results. The entire process must be permitted to “run its course” – if you desire to have rolls which have the correct texture and taste.
When we read the story of Joseph’s life; (Genesis 37:3-41:4); we can realize that life is a process. Joseph didn’t advance to be the King without enduring every stage of his process. Far too often we are attempting to reign as a King, without the experiences of a pit. Joseph had to endure the consequences and glean wisdom learned; in the pit, at the house of Potiphar, and in the prison; prior to his ability to reign in the palace.
Every occurrence in your life is vital! Every circumstance is a building block that has been permitted, as a foundational pillar, from which your future will be erected. If just one incident in your life had been altered – you would not have gleaned the experience, nor the wisdom that you now have. Every process is of grave importance.
Always remember the concept of making rolls. When making rolls, the dough will rise only to be punched back down again… and sometimes again. Then reshaped and set aside to rise again.
So don’t become discouraged when you have exceled….. only to find yourself knocked down and back at square one all over again. God has made plans for your life. He is simply taking you through the process that will bring you to His expected end for you. Wherever you are right now – your present conditions are only temporary.
Remember…. It’s life. It’s vital. It’s God ordained….. and…… It’s the process.
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