Process–Precious Time in the Presence of Jesus
Much of life for me has happened in process, and that’s a good thing. What do I mean by that? Similar to the blind man Jesus heals as told in Mark 8:22-26, many of God’s miracles in my life are not instantaneous, but miracles none the less. I don’t downplay the “supernatural, only way to explain it” miracle. I believe in and pray for miracles every day and often witness the miraculous first-hand, but I’ve also learned to appreciate the “miracle in process.” I understand God is sovereign, and He knows exactly what He is doing. I trust Him.
Without a doubt, salvation is the greatest of all miracles, and it is immediate the moment someone believes in Jesus Christ, who He is, what He did for them on the cross, asks Him to forgive them of all their sins, and commits their life to Him. That is what the Bible calls being born again (John 3:3, Romans 10:9-10). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor. 5:17).
Let’s look at the miracle in process as described in Mark 8:22-26. “They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, ‘Do you see anything?’ He looked up and said, ‘I see people; they look like trees walking around.’ Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home, saying, ‘Don’t even go into the village.’”
Notice that Jesus did not heal the man initially. He took the blind man (We’ll call him Sam) by the hand and walked with him. Scripture doesn’t say how long they walked together. The blind man did not balk at this but allowed Jesus to lead him. Conversation may have sounded like this: “Where are we going, Jesus?” “You can trust Me, Sam. I have your hand, and I won’t let go of you. Now take a big step over this pothole. You’re doing fine.”
This healing was different from His other healing miracles. After a while, Sam heard Jesus clear his throat and then felt something warm and wet on his eyes. Was that what he thought it was? “Do you see anything?” Jesus already knew the answer, but he wanted Sam to continue in faith. “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Sam had felt people’s faces in the past, and he had hugged a few trees; he knew the difference. Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. He had his miracle, and he had spent precious one-on-one time with the Savior. How beautiful is that?
Jesus sent him home. He wanted Sam’s family to know about the miracle first. Jesus did not tell Sam he must never go into the village again. He simply wanted those who were closest to Sam to rejoice with him and experience this joyous event together.
Many miracles and transformations materialize in process. Be patient. Don’t grow weary in process; keep the faith. Many times God is strengthening and preparing us so that we will stand victoriously in the next storm. True blessings and valuable teaching moments happen in process that we would not experience otherwise.
Precious time in the one-on-one presence of Jesus is part of God’s plan in the process. Don’t miss it. Draw close to Him. God is up to something, and it’s good! Be thankful and cherish the process.