This photo was taken on a hike I took while I was in Barcelona this past summer. I had to stop and capture this beautiful view because the longer I stood and stared at the beauty of Barcelona, I realized I would want to have a piece of the peace that I felt in that moment. The bright colors, the songs of the birds, the rush of the winds, the warmth of the sun, I can recollect all of it because of this photo. Every time I see it, it reminds me that regardless of all the tedious and tumultuous hikes I have to take in life, every single one is worth it because of the view that is at the top.
"You've never become, you're always becoming. . .": my mantra for remembering there is always better coming, there is always a greater purpose, there is always something worth fighting for and striving toward. But to be frankly honest, sometimes I get caught up in the chaos and stress of right now. I sometimes forget my why. I sometimes forget that where I am right now is the result of what I did in the past and what happens in the future will be a result of what I do right now. And through it all, God is preparing me for the progress of my journey so that my ministry, the work He's called me to do, is perfect-- always.
It took me some time to realize that the storms of life come to prepare us. These storms are intentionally sent to reveal the strength that we already have so that we are prepared for our next level-- the progression. So why do we run away and fear the storms? Why is it that we so intensely dread the storm? God created that storm just for you because you already have what it takes to get through it. You are already strong enough to handle it. You already have everything you need to be successful. The storm is revelation for you-- because God already knows-- to understand how He miraculously moves on your behave, to understand the strength He's given you, to understand the charisma, the favor, the anointing, the personality trait, the skill, the right answer, whatever it is that you need, God is revealing to you that it is already within. So now, it is time to learn to embrace the storm, instead of running from it, Learn to love the lesson that is to come, instead of fearing it. Learn to appreciate God's mercy and grace, instead of dreading it. We can make these shifts by simply changing how we think, by replacing a negative or fearful thought with a positive and confident thought. For example: instead of saying, "I am so stressed, I can't handle another obligation"; say, "this is a lot, but I know God wouldn't give me more than I can bear". By shifting the perspective our thoughts, we change how we receive the lesson, thus further preparing us for our progression.
The progression stage is a little tricky because it can be confused with preparation, and that's okay, because they do overlap. Nonetheless, the distinction is this, once you're through the storm and you've received your lesson, you'll notice certain things around you shifting-- you'll lose a friend, gain a friend, a new opportunity arises, an opportunity is denied, things just don't seem to add up. This is progression because God is moving things around. The preparation is an internal revelation, the progression is external. You were obedient to His will so, everything else is shifting and falling into place. Everything else is bending to His will too. You are being progressed further along your journey. It doesn't make sense until everything is fully settled, but trust that God is going before you and preparing your way.
Then comes perfection. Now, how can things be perfect if nothing or no one is perfect except Christ? Well, from God's perspective, you are perfect because of your imperfection. The beauty of life, of your journey, lies in the imperfection. We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Therefore, no matter what the circumstances look like, no matter what your friends' lives are looking like, no matter what your past looked like, your future will be perfect because God has called you according to His purpose and things will work out perfectly. Now, perfect doesn't always mean happy and bright and smiling. The thing, the situation, the moment is perfect because God ordained it, because God put you there, because God allowed it. Don't be mad and angry at God when things aren't always sunshine and rainbows. Life is chaotic and stressful and sometimes you just want God to get you out, but He is always there leading and guiding you, protecting you and ensuring your perfect mold. The perfect journey means that you are trusting God through the preparation and progression until. . . because, you've never become, you're always becoming. We have to trust that the preparation and progression of the journey results in perfection because as big as we can dream, know that God has something bigger, something we could never fathom or imagine.
Soul sisters, there is beauty in the preparation, progression, and perfection of the journey toward becoming, always. We just have to learn to see it that way. These things are always easier said than done, but I want to challenge and encourage you all to be adamant, everyday, to choose and seek God in everything because His will is good and perfect and as long as you're choosing and seeking Him your journey will be well prepared for, adequately progressed forward, and ultimately perfect.
Happy Journey,
xoxo-- Jess