“But I will not drive them out in a single year … 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, NIV.

These scriptures are not on the highlight reel of the Bible but when I read over them the other day the words, “little by little” lit up my spirit. God promised the nation of Israel that He would give them land abundant with material wealth and promised to provide their day-to-day necessities.

They probably thought, “Wow God, that’s awesome – thanks.” What they didn’t know at the time was they were going to have to endure many tests and hardships and wait several decades to see the fulfillment of God’s word. Not only that, but God said, I will give the land to you “little by little.” “LITTLE BY LITTLE! Are you kidding? I just waited forty years and you’re still going to make me wait?”

Releasing a ‘Here and Now’ Attitude

Due to our environment, we can fall into the mindset of the “here and now.” Wouldn’t it be amazing to see five years down the road or would it paralyze us in fear? If I had known specific trials I would go through five years ago, I would have never moved, traveled the world, started grad school or married the man of my prayers because I would have been so scared to endure pain in the process of experiencing those things.

I would have missed out on a lot of opportunities by endeavoring to shield myself from infliction and anguish.

There will be times when things don’t happen in your time frame, but wait. And, when your “here and now” spirit rises in you, know that God will bring it to pass, little by little.

Prayer: Lord, when I get anxious help me to wait. I know sometimes I can be impatient and only be concerned with the “here and now,” but help me find peace in the “little by little” moments you are orchestrating.

Author

Angela Overton is a lover of words, nature, and coffee. She is an ordained minister with the UPCI, has a Masters Degree in Theology, and loves to teach Bible studies. She and her amazing husband, Michael, pastor in Silver Spring, Maryland.

1 Comment

  1. virginia Branch

    Beautiful thank you so much for the prayer at the end it is appreciated so deeply thank you so much.