In the Wilderness: Exodus 23:10-33

God sends an angel to lead the way in Exodus 23:10-33. (Click on the link to read the Scriptures.)

 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you.  Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.

Exodus 23:29-30

God reveals His plan to the Israelites when He explains exactly how they will take over the Promised Land. This was war He was talking about, the overtaking of an entire land and its peoples. His battle plan does not include cleaning out the area in one fail swoop. Instead, little by little God's people will move.

There's good reason for it. If God drove out everything in one year, wild animals would take over the land. They would be so numerous the Israelites could not handle it.

God's Word says He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His nature has not changed over thousands of years, neither has the way He works. And we too face enemies in the lands promised to us. Lands of peace, joy, and unity in Christ. God recognizes our weakness, the wild animals in our lives. And He knows the overtaking of these things takes one step at a time.

When I was a youth director, there were times teens would get discouraged in their walk with God. They would feel the move of the Spirit and commit to live differently... live fully in Him. After a week or two, they would become frustrated because it seemed God was not doing anything. They wanted instant change dropped like a nuclear bomb wiping out any area of struggle. I would remind them transformation takes time.

Carol and I have a saying when we find ourselves feeling like the teenagers I served.

When times seem hard and no matter what we do it doesn't feel like God is moving fast enough.

When the battle is long and fatigue seeps deep into our bones.

Little by little... that's what we say to each other... to ourselves. God's battle plan always, always leads us to victory. Most times victory comes step by step, day by day... little by little.

Lord, open my eyes to the promises You've already fulfilled in my life.

Bless me with encouragement and faith to see You working little by little.

Increase my trust in Your plan.