WE NEED TO STOP trying to make things happen and realise that since God has brought us this far, and He is faithful and just to take us all the way.
It’s easier said than done, I know, but we must make a serious effort to stop comparing our achievements or position on the “production line” to others.
Although a banana tree and a mahogany tree both have value and produce fruit, their time of process is vastly different. It would be unwise for a banana tree to compare itself or its fruit with that of a mahogany tree or become jealous because it isn’t a mahogany tree.
Both produce one for nutrition and sustenance, the other for material and building. Their purpose determines their process and the duration of it, and the same is true for us as humans.
Each of us was created with a purpose and it’s this purpose that determines our process and the duration of it. It also determines the types of hurdles, challenges and tests we will face, all of which strategically contribute to preparing us for that day when we begin to walk in our purpose.
Remember this law of the Kingdom: “seed – TIMEEEEEE – harvest”. Actually, this is the general law of life and in most cases the “timeeeeee”, also known as process or development, is longer than the time of harvest.
Compromise is the language of the devil and anything you compromise to get, you will lose or it will destroy you. Don’t compromise your faith and integrity to shorten your “time of development” in order to achieve your harvest quickly.
We all can testify that a forced ripe fruit is not as enjoyable as a fruit that went through the full process to become ripe and ready for harvest. There is no “microwaved” process in the Kingdom and with God, you can’t skip “process” or “time” to achieve your harvest early. Neither can you skip a test to reach your next level.
It took David just over 20 years between when he was anointed by Samuel to be king of Israel and when he became king. It took Joseph just over 20 years also from when he received his dreams of his brothers bowing down to him to when they went to him as head over all of Egypt.
I hope to write about this in greater detail in another article, but this law of “seed-time-harvest” is also seen in the life of most world changers. Remember I said earlier that the process or development is longer than the time of harvest.
Nelson Mandela is a perfect example. He served as president for only five years in comparison to the decades spent in development and process. If these men had a time of process, who are you or I to expect our walk would be different?
God is just and no respecter of persons. David and Joseph’s processes were 20-plus years; yours might be longer or shorter but one thing I am sure of is that there will be a time of process.
During this time of process, things are challenging and there are many trials, many disappointments, much loss and many tears, but this process is essential to shaping character, building experience, fostering cognitive development, gaining knowledge and developing resilience, all of which prepare you for harvest time.
One should take note that during a time of preparation, nothing looks like it is working out or directing you to that dream or what God purposed you for. Do not be discouraged or distracted; have faith, keep your eyes on God and stay committed to Him and your purpose. You may not see it but He is working behind the scenes for your good.
I know it is hard and feels overwhelming; I am living it daily too. Let us tarry together, let’s encourage each other and most of all, let’s celebrate each other at our individual harvest times.
I really hope this short article has put things in perspective for you. Although I penned this as an encouragement to you, it was also for me. Be encouraged – I surely am – and remember, you are not alone; the rain falls on everyone’s home.
• Corey Worrell, a former Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, is director of C2J Foundation Inc., a project-based NGO focusing on social development. Email: [email protected]
