Stop grousing about reading from the book of Exodus.  I know.  Exodus has lots of chapters about the architecture and furniture of the Tabernacle, along with long sections of laws and regulations, which seem out-of-date to us modern know-it-alls.  Me…not you!

Today I notice a phrase in Exodus 23 that stops me in my tracks.  This happens frequently now that I spend more time in my Bible.

First, let’s consider the context.  God is instructing His people on worship and godly living after liberation from slavery in Egypt.  Here in Exodus 23: 20, God reassures them that He’ll be sending His angel to guide and protect.  All He asks for is obedience, a willingness to follow His ways.

The Lord will go ahead of His people to clear the land of the ungodly.  To give His own a country.  This freeing up from enemy peoples will not happen in the twinkle of an eye.  No.  ‘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’ (Ex. 23: 29-30).

There’s the phrase that gets my attention.  ‘Little by little…’–repetition drives home the point.  God’s goals for His people will take time.  Many years in their case.  Not lickety-split.

I don’t want to hear this.  I crave it now… or how about yesterday?  I’m not getting any younger.  Come on, God.  Get going.  Get moving my way!

Oh how I need to remember that God works at His own pace…in His own time.  May not be to my liking, but His will is always far better.  The best really.  Which is why I need to hear that phrase again– ‘little by little…’  Slowly but surely.  He’s not done yet.  ‘Little by little…’

Thank you, Jesus, for perfect timing.  Amen.