PROCESS VS PRODUCT

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10:17

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Romans 15:4

Hi, my name is Victor Maina. As I was considering what to share, I knew in my heart how important patience is and how it has been a stumbling block for me in my own process. I pray that this serves as an encouragement to all of you!

Just as our faith is grown the more we interact with the Word, so does our patience. Faith and patience are two very interconnected virtues that the believer ought to hold fast to. Patience is simply faith in time. It is about keeping faith in God during situations, and not simply waiting. Patience includes waiting URGENTLY and IN FAITH. The Word is alive and reading it consistently guarantees a growth in both these areas.

Process begins before we say ‘yes’ to Jesus and continues until we are before Him, and we are all united in the knowledge of the Son of God (Ephesian 4:13). Process is about the final perfection that Jesus Christ provided us with on the cross as well as sanctification that started since. The end of process also guarantees a perfect sanctification, which as Paul says in 1^st Thessalonians 4:3 is the will of God. Process requires diligence, consistency and patience. Every day, we need to take necessary steps in obedience to God’s instruction and this ensures growth that is consistent and true.

The point where patience meets process is when we are dying to self and coming alive to God. A lot of us hear about the drastic change that takes place upon receiving salvation. What is rarely talked about, is the time and effort (works yielded from faith) required for you to experience the life of God in every part of your life. Sanctification will continue throughout one’s life (John 17:17), and patience allows us to keep believing in God as time progresses and the fruits of our faith slowly begin to show. For new believers, the change from old to new happens instantly in your spirit, but progressively in your heart and mind (Romans 12:1-2). The more you prioritize the things of God, the more you desire them even more. Patience during these changes is key since time is needed as the Holy Spirit converts your New creation nature into your permanent character.

Value patience, and wait on the Lord. He is good and faithful, only keep the faith!