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.

Exodus 23:29-30

Have you ever found yourself questioning God’s timing? Or maybe it’s His actions (or lack thereof) that keeps you up at night?

I know…I know.

Good, God-fearing, church going, Bible believing Christian women aren’t supposed to have any doubt.

But, if we’re honest, sometimes the twist and turns of life can have us second guessing our faith. That’s certainly how I’ve felt for the past couple of years walking through a chapter I never imagined would be a part of my story.

You see, right when the Coronavirus pandemic was set to shut down the entire world, I experienced the most gut-wrenching, devastating, personal defeat. It upended life as I knew it, leaving my heart shattered into a million pieces.

The worse part was knowing at any moment God in His infinite power could step in and work things out in my favor. After all, I’d seen Him do exactly that for me before.

I kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting some more for God to swoop in and save the day, but day turned to night, night turned to day, and still there was nothing.

There was no grandiose, earth shattering, Old Testament moment of God busting through the skies to come to my rescue. Neither was there an angelic host dispatched on special assignment to deliver swift justice to the source of my troubles.

Instead, slowly and painfully, I had to learn to accept what the Lord was saying through everyone around me.

I had to let go. I had to give it all over to Jesus.

In spite of my best efforts, there was absolutely nothing I could do to change the circumstances. And I had to pick up the pieces and find a way to continue living.

Maybe that’s why those three simple words in the text scripture brought such comfort to my soul.

Little by Little.

In Exodus 23: 29-30, God wasn’t promising to grant the Israelites another instant victory.

Even though they’d already experienced the miracles of escaping Egypt and the destruction of Pharaoh in the Red Sea, this time God was going to keep their adversaries around for an appointed time.

Not so the Israelites would feel intimidated, or overwhelmed, or ignored.

No, God was looking at the big picture.

Keeping the other people in the land, was for their benefit (because the land would become desolate and the wild animals would multiply and threaten them). But eventually, little by little, they would increase and take possession of the land.

Part of trusting God’s sovereignty is trusting His approach even when it does not make any sense to us.

Sometimes He grants us immediate breakthrough, immediate turnaround, immediate healing. Other times, He gives us the grace to endure and go through little by little. Both ways, He does what is best for His children!

Perhaps you’re still trying to make sense of an unexpected event of your own. Or, you’re still grappling with questions on why God is allowing your situation to play out this way. Let me offer you the same comfort the Holy Spirit poured into my heart.

There are no mistakes with God. Whatever He chooses, we can trust Him. His methods are good. His motives are good. We can rest assured, He is orchestrating every detail our lives, even when we’re yet to fully understand His plans or purpose.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, I thank You for reminding me that I can trust Your ways and Your timing. I thank You because everything You are doing is for my good. I ask that You will continue to guide me, little by little, step by step. Help me to see Your sovereignty and the true purpose of this season, in Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!

Take the Next Step

As you spend time with God today, ask Him to reveal what circumstances you need to look at differently in your life.

Meditation Scriptures

Isaiah 40:31 “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Romans 5:4-5a “And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment…”