December 2023
Our Provider
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
Published: December 1, 2023
Dictionary.com defines a process as, “a systematic series of actions directed to some end.” In the business world, process improvement is a big deal. It can drive cost savings, develop efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. For those that have been involved with creating and revising processes, you know just how challenging it can be. What sticks out about this definition is the word action. It does not say circumstances, environment, or headwinds. It is the actions that drive us to the goal. Regardless of the challenges we face, our life is a process of its own that is directed by a series of our own actions. Actions, or lack thereof, will determine our destiny and overall joy along the way.
Joseph B. Wirthlin once said, “Sometimes we make the process more complicated than we need to. We will never make a journey of a thousand miles by fretting about how long it will take or how hard it will be. We make the journey by taking each day step by step and then repeating it again and again until we reach our destination.” The sixth Chapter of Matthew talks a lot about focusing on today and not worrying about tomorrow. Matthew even goes as far as asking “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” If we can’t extend our lives or improve the quality of our lives with worry, then why do we spend so much time worrying about the things we can’t control? The answer to this question lies in our perspective.
James 1:2-4 (NLT) says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” Faith is a foundational component of our beliefs. It is easy to say you have faith. It is altogether a different experience to exercise your faith amid a challenge or trouble. One thing is for sure, in the process of life, we will have the opportunity to demonstrate our faith and determine what actions we are going to take to ensure we reach our desired destination. While it may seem impossible sometimes to have joy in the middle of trouble, it is possible when we focus on the One that can provide all of our needs. The passage does not say that when the process is complete it will be broken, problematic, and inefficient. It says we will be perfect, complete, and needing nothing. In the Bible, God is referred to as Jehovah Jireh which means “God will provide”. No matter how hard the process is, we can find joy in knowing that God will provide.
If you are like me, there are a few processes that you started but never finished. You were either distracted, tired, out of resources, or just decided the effort was not worth the reward. We can be encouraged to know that we serve a God who is committed to our success. Philippians 1:6 (NLT) says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” God is not only our provider, but He is also a finisher of His work!
This month we will pause to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We should not miss the opportunity to reflect on all the blessings in our lives despite the challenges we may have experienced in 2023. 2024 is a new year that will present opportunities for us to grow our faith and accomplish great things. Don’t be distracted by the length or complexity of the journey. Put your faith in our Provider!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Challenge: Don’t make the process more complex than it must be. Take one day at a time and focus on the blessings because worry adds no value. Exercise your faith in our Provider, learn along the way, and embrace the joy of God’s good work in your life.
