Gradually Then SuddenlySample

LITTLE BY LITTLE

There is a little phrase in Scripture that applies in so many ways in our lives—“little by little.”Let me set the scene.

When the Israelites finally cross the Jordan River, God tells them that He will drive out their enemies. But He adds this addendum: “I will not drive them out in a single year” (Exodus 23:29 NIV).

A direct journey from Egypt to the Promised Land should have taken eleven days. But it turned into a forty-year flight with forty-two stops called the stations of the exodus.

If you map the Israelites wandering in the wilderness, it’s all over the map! They were walking in circles, but that’s because they weren’t learning the lessons God was trying to teach them. God loves us too much to graduate us to the next grade if He knows we’ll fail all over again. If you want the testimony, you have to pass the test.

Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land. (verse 30)

Maturity is not a mystery—it’s mundanity. It’s doing little things like they’re big things. It’s doing the right things day in and day out. If you do that long enough, sooner or later, you will possess the Promised Land.

God delivers us little by little.

God promotes us little by little.

God grows us little by little.

The only ceiling on your intimacy with God and impact on the world is daily spiritual disciplines. What disciplines? Journaling, meditating, praying, and studying Scripture to name a few. How do you put them into practice? One day at a time!

What discipline do you need to develop to go to the next level?

What are you waiting for?

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4 NIV).

Father, give me patience for Your process. Help me to stay faithful in small steps and believe that steady obedience will lead to lasting growth.