Ain't Nobody Got Time For That

ain't nobody got time for that...

Breaking though an attitude of inconvience

by Þaundra dalton-Þmith WWW.ICHOOSEMYBESTLIFE.COM

WE ALL HAVE A UNIQUEPROCESS GOD USES TO BRING

EACH US INTO OUR PURPOSE.

Some of our processes appear to travel a straight path, while others are more tumultuous. When your journey is filled with unexpected changes, it can affect your outlook on life. It can cause you to develop an attitude of inconvenience.

Your attitude depends on if you see change as favorable or unfavorable. The changes when you marry the love of your life will be met with less resistance than those related to a job loss. Unfortunately, the life changes associated with our process are not clearly defined. We don’t know how God will use those situations. We can’t control the outcome, but we can change our attitude.

When you feel like life is stretching you, take a step back, take a look around at the whole picture

and decide how you’d like to respond. Approach the journey to your purpose with patience, and embrace the process. Recognize there are lessons to learn along the way. Begin to see those inconveniences as faith adventures with God.

You can access your attitude by answering a few questions. Are you finding moments of gratitude? Are you gleaning wisdom? Have you taken time to notice the blessings? Are you appreciative of the people in your life? Do you have joy and hopeful outlook? Are you learning life lessons? Do you see change as an opportunity for growth? Have you surrendered the outcome to God?

Embracing your process means embracing personal and spiritual growth. Growth is evident when you relate to a situation in a healthier way the next time you encounter it. While your process and your journey may be different from that of others, all are being led toward God’s purpose and good plan (see Romans 8:28).

There are five different stages of the process you may find yourself in, but each can be embraced with a God-focused attitude.

1. Embrace the process when you feel a shift from the norm.

One of my favorite places to hike is on a local mountain trail called Bald Rock. One day I had the rare opportunity of watching a mother eagle stirring up her nest. After a while, she picked up one of the unsuspecting babes and dropped it from the nest. I must admit it looked harsh. I’m sure the little eaglet had no idea why it was being kicked out of its place of comfort and contentment.

I, too, have felt the unease of having my norm disturbed. It was painful, but like the eaglet, I found strength and discovered hidden capacity I watched its young wings move frantically. When the little one became tired, the mother eagle came to its rescue, her large, expansive wings providing the strength for a tandem flight, as its body reclined on hers. That’s how God does with you and me. He’s watchful over the process even during times of difficulty and ready to come to our aid.

2. Embrace the process when you don’t understand what God is doing.

I can imagine the eaglet has many questions. Why me? What did I do wrong? If only she knew that this momentary discomfort is part of the process toward her greater purpose, she would be able to enjoy the adventure of trusting, releasing, experiencing and exploring. Living free in Christ includes being free to embrace the process.

3. Embrace the process when it doesn’t seem your prayers are being answered.

Unanswered prayers can appear as if God has turned a deaf ear to your request. This is where a God-focused attitude can help shift your mindset. Focus on the nature of God. If you believe God is good, then also trust that His timing is for your benefit. Allow those moments to be opportunities to rest in God’s sovereignty.

4. Embrace the process when you’re at the end of an old season.

It’s hard believe God has something better for you in times of disappointment. When we experience loss, it is natural to want to draw away. Embracing the process does not mean being thankful for

the loss. Rather, it’s allowing the loss to draw you closer to God. Redirect your focus to the abundance of God. When Moses asked God who he should say sent him to Pharaoh, God answered “I AM.” This name encompasses every need you could ever have. “I AM” your Helper, Comforter, Friend, Provider, Healer, Deliverer and Savior. The list is endless.

5. Embrace the process when you’re at the beginning of something new.

With every end, God is always ready to bring a new beginning. When God begins something new in our life, it would be great if He gave us the flight plan for the journey, but this would require no faith. Instead, our part is to let Him work in us to produce what He desires.

When we embrace the process, even when it’s difficult, we exercise our ability to trust God in all things. There will always be some level of challenge with change. We can choose to allow each challenge to move us toward God and purpose, or it can cause us to retreat in fear. If you allow it, the process will propel you into the next thing God has for you.

Enjoying the process leading to your purpose is as important as achieving the call of God on your life. Allowing the process to unfold without judgment is the key to breaking through the attitude of inconvenience. Resist the temptation to compare your process with another. Conquer the “grass is greener” mentality and rest in the knowledge of God’s deep love for you.

Timothy Gallwey beautifully stated “The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change; yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly all right as it is.”

And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you (see Matthew 6:30). Each process is taking you to the next phase of your journey. Every goal achieved is a stepping stone in the process. Celebrate each goal achieved. Rejoice in the progress made. These moments within your journey are just as important as getting to the next level. May you embrace the process and enjoy your adventures with God. LH