01/25/23 Little by Little, Again

READING: Exodus 20-23

The title for this devotion might seem a bit strange (particularly, the word “again”), but it’s intentional. I’ve read the Word for many years, and there are particular texts that have been deeply encouraging to me. It’s funny, in some ways. I know where the texts are. I could quote them by heart. I know when they’re coming in the reading. I know exactly what they say; in fact, I’ve often written about them in previous devotions. Still, they give me pause for meditation and joy every time I read them. 

Today’s text about the way God would lead His people to victory in the Promised Land is one of those texts: “I will not drive them out ahead of you in a single year; otherwise, the land would become desolate, and wild animals would multiply against you. I will drive them out little by little ahead of you until you have become numerous and take possession of the land” (Exo 23:29-30). Here’s what God said: He would drive out their enemies, but He would do it little by little because that was best for them. 

Victory that came too quickly would not be good; gradual was better than immediate. I need to remember that truth—again—when I get impatient with God’s seemingly delayed response to my prayers. He knows what’s best. 

PERSONAL REFLECTION: Where is God working “little by little” in your life?

DAILY PRAYER: “Help me, Father, when You’re teaching me trust and patience by Your ‘little by little’ leading.” 

TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 24-27

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