We are usually energized and fully motivated when we start a new project. The project could be: opening a business, going back to school, starting a weight loss program, becoming debt free, organizing the kitchen, or any number of things. Just thinking about all the wonderful possibilities of this new venture could keep us sailing for—a few minutes. Then after we achieve our goals—Hurrah!
But—what about in the meantime?
In the meantime is when we need the most faith—not when we start or finish a project, but in the middle. How can we keep the faith when everything that can go wrong—goes wrong; or when the end seems to be a fading illusion that’s disappearing as each day passes by? I guess the phrase: “Only the strong survives” is an appropriate analysis for this very challenging period of time.
In the meantime is a perplexing, bewildering, and perhaps lonely span in route to your destination. The Israelites witnessed the trials of “in the meantime” when they lost the zeal they had when they first left Egypt. Their disposition changed drastically—in the meantime. (See Exodus)
Expect to grow weary!
It’s important to keep in mind that this rough period of time is on the agenda to your success. When you anticipate the arrival of this dry spell, you won’t be caught off guard when it tries to drain you of hope. Instead, you’ll accept it as part of the process. There’s no way around it.
Faith grows in the meantime!
Use this time to get closer to God by asking Him to walk you through this “wilderness.” Ask Him to show you the beauty that’s found in this phase of your journey. What lessons does He want you to learn: Is it persistence; is it patience; or what about humility?
When I find myself in a slump, I ask the Holy Spirit to encourage me. He always sends a teeny-tiny glimmer of light. I think He only sends a small dose of inspiration, because He wants me to rely more on the unseen (faith) to keep me going. (Hebrews 11:1)
Without having gone through “in the meantime” experiences, our faith isn’t challenged, and without that opposition—there’s no growth. Once we have endured, we’ll look back and see the gems (experiences) we gathered—in the meantime. . .
How do we get from here to there? We have to make it through—in the meantime.
© 2018
See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.
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