Going through the Process
by Pio G. Arce

God’s purpose is manifested in the fullness of time. To fulfill His plan He waits for the time and season, a law which governs all of creation. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecc.3:1-11. “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” This should provide us comfort not to rush but wait.

But human as we are we tend to hurry things.

In this high-tech world, people wanted everything quick. We’re not interested with the process for we want to see result - NOW. So we become impatient. Shoving, bypassing and cutting corners to accomplish goals.

Time becomes an expensive commodity that we can no longer spend lavishly. Technology is taking over the way we live- doing things fast and efficient. It affects all aspect of our lives- the food we eat, the way we think and the values we hold. From instant coffee, quick noodles and fast food to instant marriage and instant divorce, we respond to the call of the immediate.

Sadly, the world’s insatiable quest for the NOW often suffers human relationships.

Communication need not to be in person or expensive these days. Emails, text messaging, Skype and Facebook, can do the job to keep us in touch. But despite this technological progress and all its advantages, it’s ironic that many had become busier with less time to spare. “We are going so fast that we don’t know where we are going.” And more tragically we missed all the important things in life as we cruise in high speed with everything along the way become a blur.

Not many of us like protocol. It eats our time. But God is a God of protocol. Have you ever wonder why God told Moses to ask permission from Pharaoh to let His people leave Egypt? If I was Him I would have just commanded them to depart Egypt period. I pity Moses and Aaron going through the hassle and the red tape. Imagine the stress the prophet went through (I won’t be surprised if he had acid problem) haggling with the adamant pharaoh.

And then why would God go bother dividing the Red Sea and sending pillars of fire to hold back pharaoh’s troop when He could have sent a fleet of 747s to haul the people to the other side? In this way it would have been quicker, safer and more sensible than herding a multitude of people across an awesome divide of water. It must have been a pitiful sight- looks like a downside to the miracle. Women, some pregnant (I suppose), children, old people and herds of animals all rushing to negotiate the rocky bottom of the Red Sea. The exodus was definitely not a walk in the park.

More than just leaving Egypt, God had a bigger plan for His people. He was leading them to the Promised Land. But first He allows them to go through the process and the hardship that would rid them from the slavery of their mind. He was showing His people His power and also building up their faith and trust in Him. It would take His people their utmost obedience for them to conquer their Promised Land.

The difficulty in the process allows God to work in our lives. The result: “…perseverance which produces character and character hope.” Rom. 5:4