“Little by little”
Most of us suffer from impatience. You’ve heard it said many times, “Don’t pray for patience, because God has unique ways of teaching it to you.” Still, we want a job done quickly, the trip to end, the problem to be settled, the prayer answered immediately, and the pain to go away.
Life at it’s best can be frustrating. Have you ever become frustrated in your walk with God? Are there times you wish you were further along in Christian journey than you are right now? Wondered why you can’t get over some habits that continue to make you stumble?
Living a life for Christ is a process. Your behaviors today didn’t develop overnight. Good, bad, or indifferent, they too were developed over time. There’s a great quote you may be familiar with, “God got the Israelites out of Egypt in one day, but it took 40 years to get Egypt out of the Israelites.”
In Exodus 23 God is teaching the Israelites about Justice and Mercy, the Sabbath Laws, and the Three Annual Festivals. In verse 20, He informs them that he’s sending an angel ahead of them as they travel to the Promised Land. They are to follow this angel and do everything he says. Many powerful enemies will be encountered on their way, but in God’s infinite wisdom he says, “I will not drive out three such enemies in a single year, because the the land would become desolate and the wild animals to numerous for you. ‘Little by little’ I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.”
We are always told, take one step at a time, live one moment at a time, and my favorite, “Rome wasn’t built in a day!” Growing physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally is a process. So is your spiritual life. God hasn’t called us to perfection; He calls us to be obedient. Praying, reading the Bible, and meditating upon the things of God, day after day after day will lead to holiness. It’s not “IF,” but “WHEN,” you slip up, repent and continue your journey.
Faith develops little by little, but the roots grow deep and a foundation in Christ becomes strong. Don’t rush – enjoy the Christian journey.
Pastor Carnes
