God is the God of process! Since the beginning of time and the creation of the earth, God’s use of process has been evident. In six days, God created, although capable of instantaneously creating.
God has chosen process not only with creation but also with our sanctification. As Christians, we were justified by God, which began the process of increasing Christlikeness. Yet, as the Apostle Paul declared, “[We] have not yet apprehended” (Philippians 3:13). The process is essential. Although we are now the sons [and daughters] of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be . . . when He shall appear, we shall be like Him” (I John 3:2).
Another area in which we see God’s use of process is concerning His answers to prayer. The biblical record is replete with examples of God “immediate” answers. Upon Jesus commandment to the man afflicted with palsy to “arise and take up [his] bed,” immediately the man was enabled to rise. (Mark 2:11-12). On the other hand, Jesus’ healing of the 10 lepers reveals that “as they went, they were healed”. Upon asking the Lord, Jesus Christ to has his sight restored, blind Bartimaeus “immediately received his sight” (Mark 10:52). Yet, on another occasion, the biblical register recorded that there was a blind man that needed a second touch, to be completely healed (Mark 8:25).
Being aware of the necessity and nature of the process is a crucial factor in our development. Regardless of the areas of concern in which we find ourselves, recognizing and respecting the process is indispensable. Academic, familial, and ministerial success are all hinged upon the awareness. A lack of awareness or compliance with the process generates failure.
Additionally, movement through the steps of the process is also a necessity. Attempting to avoid or omit steps in the process will be detrimental to a Christian development or achievement. This avoidance may be due to numerous factors. Nevertheless, the calamitous results bring out damage or destruction and the need for a complete rebuilding. Time, energy, and sometimes money is needed to begin again or proceed through steps which had been overlooked or avoided. As one man once said, “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you find time to do it over?”
An important consideration is not only the movement through the steps of the process but the rate at which we are moving. Impatience or a false sense of competence can potentially cause great harm. The bottom line is that the process should not be rushed. The microwave mentality can be detrimental to positive progress, particularly when God has ordained a specific process and a specific time for victorious manifestation. We are reminded of this notion in the Epistle of James when he writes, “the trying of your faith, works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:3-4). The Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Galatia admonished them “to not be weary in well doing; for in due season [they] would reap, if [they] did not faint.
So, I urge you to trust God's process!
