Go Through the Process

Weeks overdue, my son finally got a haircut.  He resisted such an event; mainly due to going through the process sounded miserable.  As the discussion arose, he grew angry.  The time was perfect – we had a coupon, no plans on the calendar that day and the wait time minimal at the hair shop.  Not convinced, he continued to stomp around and throw every excuse in the book to why today did not appear the day to get a haircut.  The infamous line, “I will do it tomorrow,” came from his lips numerous times.  Our retort – “Tomorrow has too many plans of its own leaving no time for haircuts.” 

The process my son dreads begins with removal from his fun day, shifting his plans around to get a stinkin haircut.  It continues with sitting in a stupid chair while a stranger comes at him with a razor and scissors.  Oh, it gets worse. . .he then must choose from various flavors a sucker as a reward for sitting still; misery, right?  With hair covering his neck, causing itching sensations, he must sit in the stupid car to ride ten minutes fighting the urge to scratch.  Then, arriving at home, he must head straight to the shower and listen to his OCD mother instruct on the process of clothe removal to minimize spreading of hair.  All this for a stinkin haircut.

But, looking in the mirror changes the attitude.  Feeling better without a mop on his head sheds light on the importance of such a process.  His new image is handsome and less hair means better comfort throughout the day.  He now experiences less sweating, more time in the morning due to removing the need to wet down his bedhead and not to mention his clean cut style looks great! 

Beginning our Christian journey in such a broken world can feel just like the above scenario.  Years overdue, we finally get it.  We finally realize there is more than this world, the world cannot provide the peace needed and relying on the world to heal leaves greater brokenness.  So, why do so many resist the gift given through the death of our Lord and Savior?  Why put off accepting the Truth into our lives?     

The process sounds unbearable, impossible and we believe the gift cannot be available for us with such sin present in our lives.  We hear discussions daily, read devotions pertaining to such a gift and watch others persevere through the process successfully.  Anger may arise the more the devil convinces that we are not worthy of His gift.  But, my dear friend, God knows the timing is perfect – He holds tightly to you, waiting to fulfill the plans made for your life and believing in you.  Not convinced, we throw that infamous line out, “Tomorrow, I will begin anew.”  Well, tomorrow seems to never come. . .but God is patient. 

He understands the dread of removing sin, changing our plans and ideas created in life.  Once giving our lives to Christ, it appears the devil steps up his game all while God works diligently to remove sinful nature.  God comes in with pruning shears, while the devil comes in with all reason not to remove the sin.  God provides various rewards as we step one foot in front of the other down the glorious path, continuing through the process.  He gives freedom, peace, love, comfort, His presence and help at all times. 

Continuing through the process of maturation in Christ, we fight the urge to believe the enemy.  Sin continues to crouch around the corner trying to enter the path.  But, we now have power through His Word and the armor to withstand anything the world tries to bring into the path.  All of this for a beautiful transformation.

One day, we glance into the mirror to reveal an image not seen in the past.  We walk with a lighter step without such heavy burden resting on our shoulders.  The new image created in Christ looks beautiful, peaceful and wonderful.  The new life reveals purpose, sets an example and worth every bit of the process.  You now sit on the receiving side of His gift. 

The time is now.  His gift awaits.  No more excuses, procrastination or disbelief.  Will you accept His gift today and begin the process?  It is worth it my friend.  If you have accepted His gift, will you now go and make disciples, teaching others about such a gift?  It is available to ALL – no exemptions. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work