Little by Little...

Lord, PLEASE move on my behalf. Open up doors of ministry. Let me see the evidence of Your promises. Why do you make me wait? Why won't you give me what You've promised?

For years I wondered where God was. I questioned why He didn't move in the way I thought He would. I contemplated if I had misunderstood what His promise was for my life. How about you? Ever wonder why God doesn't move in your time line? Why deliverance doesn't come faster? Why blessing doesn't happen over-night?

C'mon. Be honest. I think if we're honest, we probably all have at one time or another.

At 18 years old, I had no idea it would take 20 plus years before I began to see glimpses of God's promise be fulfilled. Talk about waiting!

I think about Abraham, who waited for 20 plus years before receiving Isaac. Moses wandered through deserts, waiting. Israel waited for their promised Messiah. Today, we await His imminent return.

So, why does God make us wait?

Exodus 23:27-30 reveals a glimpse of our answer. "I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. 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." (NIV)


I love the last part of this verse. God's love and wisdom infuses each word. Within the context of this verse, God reveals His plan and answers our "why questions."

Did you catch it?

Why didn't God drive out all of Israel's enemies at once? Because to do so, would overwhelm the Israelites. They would be able to hand the cultivation of the land. The wild animals would have been too many for them to fight off. God's restraint of blessing was for ISRAEL'S well-being. He protected them.

And, little by little, God increased the Israelites size. As they grew, God positioned them to take possession of more and more land.

Personally, I witness God's miracles every day. After 30 plus years of walking with Him, I'm amazed at how much He still has to teach me from His Word. In His mercy, He doesn't give me what I think I need, Instead, He strengthens me a little more each day. He offers me more wisdom through circumstances, people, and His Holy Spirit. And, with each new day, I'm slowly beginning to see how he positions me to take possession of more and more land.

2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (NIV)

Friend, when it comes right down to it...even the difficult seasons of waiting serve a purpose. God is at work to reveal His character and love in our life. He will never abandon us or forsake us. Instead, He is working ALL things together for our good. So, what are you waiting for?

Don't give up HOPE. God fulfills His promises. So, let's DREAM BIG. Let's LAUGH OFTEN. AND, LET'S always remember that GOD has it ALL under control.