Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.

2 Samuel 12:20

In our pursuit of success, it’s easy to fall into the trap of equating purpose with tangible outcomes. We often measure our achievements and define our success based on external markers, such as wealth, status, or recognition. However, true purpose transcends these superficial measures and is often revealed in the midst of adversity and challenges.

Consider the ultimate example of purpose: the life of Christ. His purpose was not defined by earthly success or acclaim. Instead, it was manifested in the ultimate act of sacrifice and suffering on the cross. Christ’s journey was marked by hardship and pain, yet it was through this process that His purpose was ultimately fulfilled.

Likewise, in our own lives, the fulfillment of our purpose is often revealed in the severity of our process. The ups and downs, the trials and tribulations we face are not obstacles to our purpose but integral parts of it. It is through navigating these challenges that we grow, learn, and ultimately fulfill our purpose.

One key aspect of navigating the process of purpose is learning to resist the temptation to make decisions based on our emotions. When our faith is tested, and the process becomes difficult, it can be easy to lose sight of our purpose and make decisions that are not aligned with it. Instead, we must learn to trust in the process, knowing that it is leading us towards the fulfillment of our purpose.

At the conclusion of every process in life, there is a healing that we must embrace. We cannot dwell in the past, in the ashes of what used to be. Instead, we must move forward, embracing the lessons learned and the growth experienced.

In times of heaviness and despair, we must change our clothes, metaphorically speaking. We must shed the grave clothes that bind us and embrace a garment of praise. The reward of enduring the process is the promise fulfilled. Embrace the process, navigate its ups and downs with faith and resilience, and you will ultimately fulfill your purpose.

This is taken from Endure: 21 keys to enduring the process by C. Christopher Scott