...Dark Room

One of the most difficult things to endure is development and process. It sounds quite easy, however in order to ascend to higher heights we have to endure valley experiences or the dark room as I like to call it. When I think about a "dark room" the first thing that comes to my mind is picture development. One of the challenges of development in the darkroom is that you can’t see the changes happening. You are only relying on your experience and intuition. Today things are done much faster with Photoshop...this gets it done a lot sooner, however there is something about watching, waiting and seeing the development of the photograph.

When I pondered this thought...life came to mind and the challenges we often face. We desire people to change the moment we begin to pray for them...it may not happen that way - we desire the job shortly after we apply for it....it may not happen that way, we desire the house - as soon as we sit down with the relator....it may not happen that way - we desire for our son's or daughter's to be delivered as soon as we pray for them....it may not happen that way - we make our request known to God on Monday and expect the answer on Saturday....it may not happen that way. God is more concerned with our development and growth opposed to giving us what we want when we want it. I love the scripture: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31). Also, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and supplication and thanksgiving; let your request be made known to God and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). And lastly, "Let patients have its perfect work in you so that you will be mature and lacking nothing" (James 1:4) .

When you find yourself in a "dark room" its not about throwing in the towel, its about enduring until the end. You are in "wait training" and the key is to allow the stretching to happen, allow the breaking to happen...it doesn't feel good, but God has an amazing way of making all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28).