The Process

By: Keefe Wilson

Saturday, June 14, 2025

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

In my sophomore year of high school, we got a new track coach. We heard rumors he was a winner and had multiple state titles under his belt. We got excited and started picturing ourselves as state champions. In our first team meeting, Coach Hayes asked us one important question: "Do you want to win?" When we all replied "yes." He said, "Then trust the process."

The process was a day of weight training followed by a day filled with "fifty-second drills." On day one, Coach Hayes handed all of us batons and told us to run 400m (one lap) at top speed for 50 seconds. Whenever he blew his whistle, we had to drop those batons and finish the lap with whatever strength we had left. We got a five-minute rest, then we repeated "the process." After eight times, we were exhausted. Some people got cramps and a few even vomited. We hated his process! But when track season started, we could run any race, including sprints, relays, and distance. We won most of our meets, we broke records, and we had our best season ever. I loved winning, but I didn't always love the process... but I do understand it was necessary.

We must understand that God often works in us through "a process." When it seems hard, God is just preparing us for His calling. God loves us, so he will never launch us into His purposes before He refines, stretches, and strengthens us. Challenging times are necessary; they are our seasons of training and growth. God's testing is molding us into champions, and He is training us so we can accomplish His purposes! Our verse from Ephesians reminds us that God's works are never random; they are always part of His plans.

Consider Joseph's journey in Genesis. Before God ever placed Joseph in leadership, he had to endure betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. Those difficult years weren't setbacks; they were preparation. God used those hardships to strengthen Joseph's character, sharpen his wisdom, and increase his faith. When the time for leadership came, Joseph was ready. God will likely us that same process for us. Whatever our season of life seems confusing or painful, it has a purpose. God will use those difficult moments to prepare us for His good works, the ones He has previously planned.

...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Trust the process. Don't get discouraged, it's His process!