Refined by FireSample

The Power of Process in Leadership

In the kingdom of God, great leadership comes through enduring the process. We often admire successful church leaders or large ministries, but behind their success lies a journey through trials, hardship, and spiritual formation.

2 Corinthians 11:27 (NIV)
"I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked."

The Apostle Paul vividly describes his own process in this passage. He went through hunger, cold, sleepless nights, and many forms of suffering. His authority as an apostle didn’t come by accident—it was forged through fire, through endurance, and through perseverance.

The Greek word kakopatheó (κακοπαθέω), meaning "to suffer hardship," highlights the reality that leadership in the Kingdom often involves enduring pain and discomfort. Similarly, anyone God calls to a position of influence must pass through a refining process. Without this, there is no capacity to handle the responsibility that comes with greatness.

The Law of Process
Many who criticize leaders or successful ministries have never gone through such a refining process. It's easy to pass judgment when you haven't faced those same tests. God’s law of process ensures that those who rise to prominence have been purified by the trials they've endured. Just as Joseph went from prison to the palace, the journey of refining often takes us through difficult places so we can carry the weight of His glory.

An important lesson here is this: Do not commit deeply to people who haven’t gone through a process. Those who have not experienced refinement lack the understanding and humility necessary to steward power or authority. God uses these processes to humble us, to purify us, and to ensure that we are ready for His purpose.

Imagine a pilot. Before they can fly a plane, they must undergo years of training, tests, and simulations. You would never trust a pilot who has not gone through that process, right? The same is true in ministry. We must be wary of those who bypass the law of process because they are not equipped to handle the responsibility of leading people.

As we grow in our faith, we must guard our hearts against judgment. We often speak out of turn, criticizing others without having walked in their shoes. The Hebrew word for humility, עֲנָוָה (anavah), emphasizes the need to stay low before God and others, recognizing that none of us are exempt from the process.

Prayer for Humility
Lord, teach me to appreciate the value of the process. Help me not to judge others when I have not walked in their shoes. Give me the humility to understand that You are refining each of us in Your perfect timing. Keep me from pride and help me to walk in wisdom as You lead me through my own journey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.