Trust the Process.

By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar

In the journey of life, we all seek growth in various dimensions—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. Yet, we often attempt to achieve these goals on our own, neglecting to seek guidance from our Divine Creator. We lean on our own timing, influences, and perspectives, often bypassing the divine blueprint crafted for us. As a result, we may plant the right seed in the wrong season or the wrong seed at the right time, leading to frustration and disappointment. This happens because we lack faith in the Creator's perfect timing and wisdom, driven by our impatience and inability to see the bigger picture.

There are moments when we are simply not ready for the things we desire, hope, and pray for. Consequently, we face delays, encounter storms, or endure drought seasons that seem endless. During these times, we become frustrated, depressed, stressed, bitter, cold-hearted, easily irritated, and anxious. We get lost in the chaos of the world and fail to recognize that these challenges are the Divine's way of molding us, preparing us for the eventual harvest of our efforts.

Have you ever considered that receiving everything your heart desires too soon could be detrimental to you and those around you? It could have profound effects on future generations. Have you thought about whether you possess the right heart, faith, empathy, tolerance, energy, and discipline needed to handle the blessings you seek? Often, we lack the necessary qualities and wisdom to manage what we desire. Because the Divine loves us and cares about our proper growth and development, there are delays, providing us with the necessary experiences to grow. After being shaped and purified by the fires of life's challenges, we are given time to heal before being adorned with the most beautiful and iridescent colors of grace.

Yes, sometimes we are led into storms, but know that our Creator walks with us through these trials. We will eventually emerge from these storms stronger and wiser. Everything the universe has in store for us cannot be denied if we maintain a solid connection with the Divine. Only our Creator determines our destiny, orchestrating our lives with perfect wisdom. Our role is to remain faithful, no matter what we face. Receiving the Creator's blessings prematurely can be one of the most detrimental things to our spiritual journey.

Picture the process of a potter shaping a vast, beautiful vase. The potter begins with a simple lump of clay, molding it carefully with skilled hands. Each turn of the wheel, each touch, and each pressure applied is purposeful. As the clay takes shape, it goes through stages of forming, trimming, and refining. Sometimes, the potter must reshape the clay, starting over when imperfections arise. This process requires patience and trust in the potter's vision.

After the vase is shaped, it must be fired in a kiln, enduring intense heat to become strong and durable. This is a crucial phase where the clay transforms into its final form. The heat, though challenging, is necessary for the vase to achieve its intended beauty and functionality. Once the firing is complete, the vase is given time to cool and is often glazed and painted, adding the final touches that make it a masterpiece.

We are like that clay in the hands of the Divine Potter. The Creator is constantly shaping and molding us, even when we do not understand the purpose of the process. The trials and challenges we face are the fires that strengthen us, preparing us for our ultimate purpose. Our imperfections are not failures but opportunities for the Divine to refine us further.

Speaking from my own life, I have learned that whatever we desire, if it aligns with the divine blueprint of our lives, we will receive it in due time. You might wonder, "Why is my life on hold? Why am I not where I want to be? Why haven't I been placed in a circle of beautiful people and situations?" The answer lies in the divine gardener and the master potter preparing us. We must trust the timing and the process.

From my personal experience, the universe often lets us go our own way when we are impatient, when we consistently complain, and when we lack faith, humility, and gratitude. This is when we really mess up, and the seeds we plant bear bad fruit. I know this from leaning on my own understanding, leading my life into turmoil. At the end of the day, you lose more from your heart than what you wanted to gain.

I urge us all to trust the process, even if we do not fully understand it. WAIT, TRUST, and have FAITH. Faith is trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse. We are close to our destination, but because the time is not yet right, we are not permitted to land. Be patient and trust.

In moments like these, it is natural to question why things aren't moving forward as hoped. But I assure you, if you just have patience and know with all your heart, without doubt, that we can navigate through this season of waiting and uncertainty, we will reach our destination. It's just a matter of time before we can land. It's just a matter of time before the gardener's harvest is ready. It's just a matter of time before the master potter's work is complete. Be patient and steadfast, or you will surely crash and collapse.

Those who pushed you to prematurely make moves and rush the process will watch you from a distance as you fall to pieces and won't even pick up a broom and dustpan to sweep you up. The metaphor of the potter making a vessel perfectly illustrates this reflection. The potter in this reflection is the Creator, the Divine. Similarly, the analogy of a gardener preparing for harvest further emphasizes this point.

Sometimes, the waiting is the Divine's test of our faith and humility. Sometimes, the waiting allows us to prepare our hearts for the future. Sometimes, the waiting helps us cleanse our motivations for our prayers.

Trust the process. Know that your Creator, the master potter, is working diligently to shape you, to prepare you, and to bring you into the fullness of the beautiful creation you are meant to be. Embrace the waiting, for it is in these moments that the most profound growth occurs.

Remember, everything happens for a reason and in its own divine time. The gardener plants seeds knowing that not all will sprout immediately. Some seeds need to lie dormant until the right season. Similarly, the potter shapes and reshapes the clay, knowing that each vessel must endure the fire and the cooling period before it can be painted and used for its intended purpose. So it is with our lives.

Faith is not just about believing in something unseen; it's about trusting that the process is necessary for our growth and ultimate fulfillment. It’s about understanding that our Creator knows what we need and when we need it, far better than we do.

So, let us wait with patience, trust with unwavering faith, and believe that the timing of the universe is perfect. In doing so, we open ourselves up to the infinite possibilities that the Divine has in store for us, and we allow ourselves to become the masterpieces we are destined to be.

Trust the process. Trust the Creator. And know that you are being prepared for something greater than you can imagine.