Hold the Vision - Trust His Process
Hold the Vision – Trust His Process
Relying on God When Life Doesn't Go as Planned
“What? The espresso machine is down?” I exclaimed to my husband the day before Valentine’s Day. Some know that we own a coffee shop, and on Valentine's Day we enjoy a crowd, as many come in for a coffee date with a significant other. Our marketing girl and I had planned a Valentine’s Day BOGO in hopes of bringing lots of folks in for business. In that second, I realized that this would not be happening without an espresso machine! Disappointment, frustration, even irritation took over. This was just one example of a string of unpredictable events over the past six years of owning our small business.
In God’s kingdom work, whatever that is, there are highs and lows beyond measure. One day all seems right with the world, and possibly within hours, something comes crashing down, shattering ideas, dreams, plans, and fruitfulness. Is there a way to stay calm, confident, and content when threatening circumstances surface? Is there a secret to relying on God when life doesn’t go as planned? Let’s break it down together.
Let’s begin by identifying the unwanted circumstance(s). Perhaps you’ve experienced a sudden change of plans; the timing of a certain situation just doesn’t make sense, or something is put on hold or is moving way too slowly. What in your kingdom-building life seems to have been derailed with other needs of life and priorities? We all experience that life just doesn’t always make sense.
What is your need, frustration, hurdle, problem? _________________________
Which of these emotions seem to take over in this moment as you think about the struggle? Anxiety, worry, stress, discouragement, frustration, doubt, or fear? All of the above? You’ve heard it said, when your dreams are ebbing and flowing, “Hold the vision. Trust the process.” While this can be helpful at the end of the day, it can also feel vague and impractical. I want to DO SOMETHING about it, not just believe in a cool quote.
Maybe we could shift our thinking a bit. So much in life is unpredictable. Is there something or someone on whom we can depend fully in the highs and
lows? YES! We do not know what the future holds, but we know WHO holds the future. If you are a child of God, then believing the truth of who God says He is in His Word is a game changer. His plans are sure, His love is immeasurable, and His control is complete. If we believe that God is who He says He is, we could rephrase the quote with confidence.
“Hold the vision – trust His process.”
Tethered: connected to, tied to
Do you want more of God in your life? Here’s your chance. Look at these struggles as an opportunity to be tethered to God. Lots of reminders! Hardships connect us to God.
Rely: to depend on with full trust or confidence
You will learn to rely on God when you believe in His best for you. After all, who really has control? Surrender and acceptance bring peace, and God is inviting you into that space when life doesn’t go as planned.
Truth to Lean on
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Three Things to Remember
God is in control. Colossians 1:6-7 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
He loves you. 1 John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.
His ways are good. . .best actually. Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
A Closing Note
Trust in the slow work of God
Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are quite naturally impatient... in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something
unknown, something new.
And yet it is the law of all progress
that it is made by passing through
some stages of instability-
and that it may take a very long time.
And so I think it is with you;
your ideas mature gradually- let them grow,
let them shape themselves, without undue haste. Don't try to force them on,
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say, grace and circumstances
acting on your own good will)
will make of you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit gradually forming within you will be. Give Our Lord the benefit of believing that His hand is leading you,
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.
-Teilhard de Chardin
Beacon People exists to spur one another on to living more fully into God’s purposes for us. Let us know how we might encourage, connect, or help you with resources you may need. Together we will build God’s kingdom one step at a time, whether things go as planned or not. It’s all part of His goodness and magnificence.
