Exodus 23:29 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.
I love this idea of God working “little by little.” Don’t get me wrong–I’m as impatient as the next person, but the idea of God chipping away for me so that I’m not overwhelmed, so that unintended consequences don’t swamp me and take me down before I find my feet, I just really love that imagery.
Exodus 23:30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.
And while the pace of “little by little” often frustrates me, I appreciate the sustainability of that pace. Big changes are hard to maintain. Changes made little by little become habit in the doing and are therefore easier to maintain. “Little by little” really is the way to go.
Exodus 23:31 “I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the desert to the Euphrates River. I will give into your hands the people who live in the land, and you will drive them out before you.
Precious Savior, Thank You for the promise to work in my life “little by little” so that I am not overwhelmed by unintended consequences. Forgive me when I grow weary or impatient with Your pace. Help me to remember that You are growing me and stretching me so that I am ready when Your timing is right. Amen.
Exodus 23:32-33 Do not make a covenant with them or with their gods. Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.”
Have a blessed day.