Trust the process. This is a phrase that was birthed in sports, but has spilled over to many other arenas of life. You can find it on a motivational poster or on the cover of a journal. It’s meant to bring comfort and hope when someone is working towards a goal, but not necessarily seeing the progress. But what exactly is the process we’re trusting?

In the last 320 Letters post, Kelly taught us that the Greek verb “transformed” as it is used in scripture means “to transform, metamorphose, change, and transfigure.” I looked up the meaning of the noun “transformation” in the American Dictionary and it is defined as: “the process of changing the character or appearance of something in order to improve it.”  

Transformation is a continual process. It’s adjustments, Holy Spirit nudges, course corrections, and check-ins. It isn’t always comfortable, exciting, or easy. It requires self-discipline and its life-changing qualities usually lie within our small, daily decisions. 

I think sometimes when we hear the word transformation, our mind goes straight to the spectacular. However, I believe it’s actually all the little decisions we make that cause it to be so spectacular in the end. 

We all probably know who Kobe Bryant is, basketball legend. In 2007, Nike sent a representative out to Los Angeles to shadow Kobe and observe his workouts. The representative was expecting to see a spectacular workout, but commented he was nearly “bored to death.” He reported that for an hour he watched Kobe just practice basic footwork such as pivots and crossing over, sports terms even I am familiar with from junior high gym class! When this reporter asked Kobe why he chose to focus on “elementary” footwork, Kobe had a brilliant response: “Why do you think I’m the best player in the world?” Kobe said, “Because I never ever get bored with the basics.” Kobe trusted the process. He put in work when it came to the basics and never undervalued them. I think we can all learn something from that.

Kobe isn’t the only person who is big on the little things…God is, too! Here are just a few scriptures that say so:

• Zechariah 4:10: “Do not despise these SMALL beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

• Luke 16:10: “He who is faithful in a VERY LITTLE thing, is also faithful in much.”

• James 3:5: “Even so the tongue is a LITTLE member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a LITTLE fire kindles!”

Recently, I was praying and asking God what my husband and I’s next step is. Honestly, I was hoping He would tell me something on the spectacular end of things. Instead, the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “What about your right now step?” Welp. That put me on a course correction. Why is it human nature to always want what’s next? What’s the next big thing? What’s my next job? When’s my next promotion? Let’s focus on the now, rather than the next. What is your “right now” step? It might look dull, just as Kobe’s workout looked to that reporter, but it’s all part of the process to get you to all God has called you to be, and fulfill what He’s called you to now. Are you doing what's required right now, to get to the transformation you seek?

Trust the process. :)

Posted 8/15/2022