Guest post by Hanha Hobson from Transparency Blog
I honestly believe one of the reasons why God doesn’t give us the full picture of our lives is because if He told us what we would have to go through in order to get where we want to go, we would say no. But I’m beginning to understand that there are many experiences we must endure so that we can be who God has called us to be. They are not always easy.
We may not enjoy working out, but we have to do it in order to achieve certain physical results. Or we may not want to go to school, but we have to do it if we want the degree. Our spiritual lives work in the
Hebrews 12:7-11 says,
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
We must understand that there is so much purpose in our pain or discomfort. For example, I’m coming out of a season where God revealed areas that I needed to work on and He also brought to surface a lot of root issues. For example, I didn’t realize I dealt with shame. I didn’t know I struggled with placing my identity in my performance and I didn’t realize I had a problem with fear. Going through this purification and cleansing process where I needed to repent of my sin, and ask God for forgiveness and the wisdom to overcome insecurities was painful. But I know that I needed it in order to walk in my calling.
Here’s another example. I volunteer with a Christian nonprofit that helps churches serve families in crisis inside local hospitals. When I first started volunteering with the organization, I was very frustrated because there seemed to be a lot of disorganization. Not only that, but the organization did not have a ton of help or people who would be able to dedicate their time to helping the organization grow internally. It was 100% volunteer ran.
It felt like I was the only one who could see the areas that needed change. It was like I entered a renovation process, had to go in, clean up the mess, and then start from scratch. There was no clear message or brand. They didn’t really know who they were as an organization and it was obvious. I didn’t know all of this initially. I just wanted an experience to make my med school application look better. (I know. I was so shallow.)
Needles to say, but there were many times when I wanted to quit because the work was exhausting. And if I’m being super honest, my pride convinced me that I knew more than the leader and founder of the organization, and the Holy Spirit had to check me on that over and over. But I knew I couldn’t stop serving. This Christian nonprofit had a mission and purpose, and I couldn’t just leave them hanging when they had no one who was willing to help.
Looking back, I know that had to be God’s grace that led me to continue serving with the organization because there’s no way it was me on my own. It wasn’t until almost two years later that I realized why God placed me there. For sure, it wasn’t to make my med school application more competitive. God was teaching and is still teaching me resiliency and endurance. He also taught me humility. And then God took it deeper and used that same founder to share more insight.
She said, “All I know is you are here for a very distinct reason. I know it’s a reason that will benefit DTM but I know it’s also a reason that will benefit all of the goals that He has for your life. What those are, I know that only He will reveal to you but they are things that will carry in your work and your ministry for a very long time… I know that working with an organization and ministry from the ground up will give such incredible perspective and respect for the longevity that ministry can sometimes take, giving yourself space for God’s will and His timing for the mission for your life.”
That was such a humbling moment for me! I realized had I not stuck through the process, I would have never learned these principles. Had I given up, I would have missed out on my blessing in the form of growth and maturity.
And I’m willing to bet that there are some areas in your life where it may be the same for you. Sometimes, we give up too easily. We allow our feelings or discomfort to drive our decisions. But we have to discern when it’s time to stay rooted in the things that God has called us to. Sometimes, we like to blame the enemy for things that are uncomfortable without realizing that sometimes there are impurities on the inside of us that must be addressed.
When you find yourself frustrated or discouraged, fix your eyes on Jesus because your perspective is important. When you understand that God is only disciplining you or refining you because of His love for you, you will be able to endure pain or discomfort with a new level of confidence.
There is a reason you are going through what you’re going through because there is no purpose without process. God is going to use everything that you have – your gifting, your talents, even your weaknesses – because He’s the one that placed it there. He’s strategic like that. He knows what you need in order to fulfill the purpose or call on your life.
And sometimes, it doesn’t make sense. Sometimes, you’re not going to understand. But God is so gracious. His strength is made PERFECT in your weaknesses. Through Him, you have the courage to love through pain. The strength to serve when you’re exhausted. The boldness to keep going even when you have no idea how.
You just have to trust that He already has it worked out. You have to trust that His plan for you is better than anything you can conceive. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, it hurts. But be okay to sit in the discomfort. Embrace it. Welcome it even! God will be with you every step of the way. He won’t leave you or forsake you. He actually already gave you the victory.
So pray and worship! Thank Him that He has put you in a position to receive His best! Thank Him for the healing because it’s already yours. Don’t lose faith. God has the final say! He’s not finished yet.
Loved reading this post? Let me know what you think by stopping by my page on Instagram, and tell me some ways you plan to choose purpose over discomfort. I would love to get to know you and hear your thoughts.
Hanha is the writer behind Transparency Blog, and she is super passionate about encouraging women to find their identity and belonging in Christ! She graduated from the University of National Champions—Go Heels!—and she is currently pursuing plans to become a physician in the near future. A few fun facts? She’s addicted to Grey’s Anatomy, has a special place in her heart for tacos, and podcasts are her present obsession. In her spare time, she daydreams about places she can travel and loves connecting with friends on Instagram. Come say hi! Website | Instagram
