Learning To Love The Process - Mabel Rolt

We have all experienced difficulties in our life - some life-changing, and others, seasonal. I have certainly found myself challenged beyond my experience. It is very tempting to give up on the process when it all gets ‘just too hard’; anything to stop the feelings of powerlessness, stretching, and discomfort.

In Isaiah 40:31, it says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

You don’t have to be out of God’s will to go through tough times. When you are living under an open heaven with a fully-activated faith that God can help you to overcome anything. Obstacles will still come your way, but let me encourage you, the difference here is that you will be graced with the endurance to keeping running.

Life is not designed to be comfortable for extended periods of time, because that would mean that we are not growing. In every season of discomfort, we must hunt for and wrangle every opportunity it presents, to learn and develop our character. Just as our lives are, and should be, ever-changing, our relationship with God must always be moving forward. It may feel like you have just conquered a mountain, only to be faced with an even bigger one. Guess what, you could not face this one if you did not beat the last one. You are growing!

We were designed to go through challenges to produce a greater outcomes

Discomfort in the process often leads to pain. It is so tempting to wish for simpler times, or for things to stay the way they are because what is coming for you looks even worse. But perhaps you are naturally change-averse and crave routine and consistency, but the harsh reality is, if you stop allowing yourself to grow, you will inevitably allow fear to take control.

There are many proven benefits to growth through uncomfortable experiences. To prioritise our personal growth means to live life according to our values. It is a constant process that may change our mental, physical and emotional state. As we experience increased emotional growth, we gain new depth and wisdom from these experiences. When we have faith throughout challenges, we gain increased optimism. Evidence proves that optimism in challenging times has the following outcomes, just to name a few;

• Improved heart and physical health

• Decreased stress levels

• Improved patience

• Increased motivation and success in life

• Increased bonding between you and other people

• Increased self-esteem and mood

Personal growth is a process, not an end goal 

So, when you are going through the tough seasons and it feels like there is no end, realign your perspective with the Word of God and keep going.

“We too can rejoice when we run into problems and trials. We know that they help us develop endurance and endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. This hope will not lead to disappointment. So persevere, after all you were made for this!” (Romans 5:35)

Mabel Rolt
Mabel holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychotherapy.
Mabel is married to Joel Rolt and is on team at Kingdomcity in Perth.