Process > Circumstances

    Recently, I was profoundly moved during one of our Families4Families date nights—a regular event we host for foster families to give them a night out. This particular evening, I witnessed something extraordinary in the behavior of Macie Porter, who went beyond just playing with a younger child. She cared for her, ensuring she was fed and felt included, displaying a maturity and kindness that spoke volumes. This experience served as a poignant reminder of how crucial our roles as parents and community leaders are in nurturing our children's ability to minister compassionately to others.

    Reflecting on this, I've been contemplating the essence of spiritual growth, especially the concept of "trusting the process." It's easy to become impatient, to desire immediate solutions to our challenges or rapid progression in our spiritual lives. Yet, true growth is often slow and, at times, imperceptible at the moment.

    Sanctification, a term we don't often explore deeply outside theological discussions, essentially involves being molded more into the likeness of Christ. It's not a swift or painless process. Much like a potter who meticulously shapes clay, encountering and smoothing out its imperfections, God shapes us. This shaping can feel like a dismantling at times, but its purpose is to reform us into better, more spiritually aligned versions of ourselves.

    However, embracing this process isn't just about personal growth. It's about understanding and accepting the pace of change in others, especially those new to faith. It's unrealistic to expect drastic overnight changes. Spiritual maturity develops over time, influenced by consistent and nurturing inputs, much like young Macie's interactions illustrated her growth.

    Moreover, the concept of perseverance is crucial here. Scripture teaches us through James 1:2-8 that the trials we endure can foster perseverance, maturing us and completing us in ways that comfort and ease never could. This message challenges us to reconsider our perspectives on trials, not as divine punishments, but as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.

    In practice, this means not shying away from difficulties or praying only for their removal but seeking wisdom and growth through these experiences. Whether dealing with personal challenges, like family illnesses, or communal issues, like navigating the complexities of guiding a congregation, the focus should remain on learning from every situation.

    This perspective isn't passive; it's a dynamic engagement with life's complexities. It encourages us not just to endure but to actively seek the lessons and growth opportunities embedded within each challenge. By trusting the process, we align more closely with God’s timing, which, unlike our own, is perfect and informed by a broader view of our lives and our potential.

    So, as I encourage my community and myself, let's commit to viewing our spiritual journeys not as sprints but as marathons, filled with moments that teach, test, and ultimately strengthen us. Let's hold onto faith through the slow and sometimes painful processes, trusting that God is shaping us into who we are meant to be.

    As we go forward, may we all have the courage to trust the process, knowing that each step, each challenge, and each victory is part of a larger, divine tapestry that we are only beginning to comprehend. Let's embrace the journey, with all its twists and turns, as we grow not only in faith but in our capacity to love and lead others.