Building is a Process

I've been watching some homes being built right behind ours. It's become second nature to hear the trucks and construction noises at 6:00 am and continue all day. The other day I was outside watching the girls play and I began to really pay attention to the process of the building of these homes. There are 6 in a row. Each day they have something new added. As the day was ending, the final home was just getting the final touches of two new windows. Today all the beams were completed for a roof. It's been a very slow process. Some days don't look like anything was done, but I know the guys have been at work because I can hear them. Other days I look out my window and see huge strides all in one day! I'm thinking, "Wow, I know they must be tired!" :)

All of this made me think of my own spiritaul walk. Aren't we all in process? Sometimes I feel like I am not growing or nothing spiritual is happening in my day, but I know and trust the Lord is at work.. layer upon layer, step by step, building me more like Him, even when I don't feel it or see it. Some days I wish I was already "complete" (as these homes are to be "complete" in January and 700 new military familes are coming to fill these homes.) But I can rest in knowing that I will never be complete until I see Jesus. None of these homes would have hope in being completed without that big cement slab-- it's structure, foundation, and cornerstone. If Christ is not my Rock, my Cornerstone, my Foundation... there is no hope. This has been a huge reminder to pick myself up when I am in my "I am not growing mode" and cling to my Rock as He does His building me- even when it's not evident to my eyes.

We are also building others up. I believe it's a process that we do that, as well. We are in other's lives and it takes time to develop relationships in which we can encourage others and build them up. We do it step by step as we get to know more about one anohter. I think of all my friends adn family who have been a part of my growing. Oh, I am so blessed! I love you! All of the Scriptures, prayers, encouragement, tears, conversations from each of you that have pointed me to Christ have taken place over time, not all at once. Thank you for walking through life with me and reminding me to keep my eyes on My Rock! :)

There are so many verses on buiding and being built! I am going to post some here that encouraged me. He IS BUILDING US and THE PROCESS He takes us through is DIFFERENT for each of us. May we each welcome and embrace what He is doing in our lives to make us more like Jesus.

Psalm 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.
Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
Matthew 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Acts 20:32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified
Romans 15:2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
1 Cor 3:14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
Ephesians 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Colossians 2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
1 Thess 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.