Commit to the Journey Over the Destination

“What we are waiting for is not as important as what happens to us while we are waiting. Trust the process.”

Mandy Hale

We live in an outcome-based world. Applause is heard when the goal has been achieved. Inner satisfaction is a by-product of reaching our destination. Through the years I spent writing the book Restoring Your Heart to Deepen Intimacy, I’ve discovered it’s the process that’s important, not necessarily the finished product I can hold in my hands. Don’t get me wrong, I am eternally grateful the book is published, but I’ve come to appreciate the work God “published” or produced within me while on the journey of writing a book.

Our journeys seem to shape us more than reaching our destinations. God has used this adventure with writing to mold me like a potter does with his lump of clay. “Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8). God’s ultimate destination for each of His sons and daughters is to conform us to the image of his Son, Jesus (Romans 8:29).

I’ve realized that through the process of writing Restoring Your Heart to Deepen Intimacy, God has done exactly that! My fear of man has lessened, and I’ve experienced greater healing in the areas of abandonment, rejection, shame, fear, and deception, which in turn has deepened my relationship with God. He has me in a feedback loop. The more emotionally whole I become, the closer I am to God. And the closer I am to Him, the more my heart is restored.

As I came closer to the destination of having a book published, I heard the Lord say this: Writing that book Norma was the bravest thing you’ve ever done. And I am so proud of you! It took many years of perseverance and facing your fears. God’s words of affirmation warmed my heart and gave me the courage to keep on keeping on. I only hope the writing journey has made me look more like Jesus. That’s the real destination I desire to reach.

“It is more important to go slow and gain the lessons you need along the journey then to rush the process and arrive at your destination empty.”

Germany Kent

Relevant Reflections:

1. Describe a time when the journey was more important than reaching the destination.

2. If you’re in the middle of a process, ask God to shape and conform you to look more like Jesus.