Exodus 23:20 – CH 24 | Study 10230
We often want quick results and easy solutions in our busy lives. That is not usually how God works. When it comes to our spiritual growth and challenges, God usually works gradually. We see this with the Israelites as they prepared to enter their new land, the promised land.
God told the Israelites that He would remove their enemies “little by little” (Exodus 23:30). If He had done it all at once, the land would have become empty and desolate. This gradual approach is not because God is weak, but because He is wise and caring. This idea of “little by little” is relevant to our own lives, too. We want instant change or quick answers to our prayers, but God often chooses to work in our lives slowly. Why does He do this? Real growth and lasting change need time, patience, and consistent effort.
Think about how a small acorn turns into a large oak tree. It takes years of steady growth, facing storms, and deepening roots. Similarly, our faith and character develop through daily choices, overcoming challenges, and learning lessons over time. Waiting for this gradual growth can be frustrating. We might feel impatient or discouraged when progress seems slow. We need to remember that God is at work, even if we cannot see or understand what He is doing.
The Israelites faced a similar situation. God promised them a land, but the journey was long and full of obstacles. They learned to trust God’s timing and methods, even when His plan did not align with their own expectations. This leads to an important lesson: the difference between being a “promise keeper” and recognizing God as the “Promise Giver.” It is good to want to keep our promises to God, but we must remember that our own strength is not enough. As the apostle Paul says in Romans 8:8, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Instead of relying on our own strength, we need to depend on God’s power working in us. It is not about making strong declarations in the mirror. It is about humbly praying to God, acknowledging our weakness, and asking for His strength to help us. This change in perspective is significant. Instead of saying, “I will never fail again,” we learn to pray, “Lord, I need Your strength for this challenge.” This attitude of dependence allows God’s grace to work in our lives.
The Israelites also teach us about the importance of obedience and single-minded devotion to God. They were told to destroy the idols in the land and not make alliances with its people. This means we need to remove anything from our lives that takes us away from God. Idols today might not be physical statues, but they could be careers, hobbies, relationships, or anything else that takes a higher place than God. The challenge is to “tear down these idols” and choose to worship God alone.
God’s call for wholehearted devotion is repeated all throughout the Bible. In 1 Kings 18:21, the prophet Elijah asked the people, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” Similarly, Joshua declared, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
Our faith is a journey that is not always easy or clear. There will be times when we do not understand God’s plans or His timing. We might ask, “Why, God?” without getting an immediate answer or without even getting an answer at all. At these times, it’s essential to remember that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9).
Often, not knowing why things happen helps us rely more on God. If we had all the answers, we would rely too much on our own understanding and abilities instead of growing deeper in our relationship and alliance with God.
People say, “You make your choices, and your choices make you.” So, make wise choices. Ask God for more faith, courage, forgiveness, and His presence in your life. Seek Him earnestly, knowing He rewards those who truly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Embrace the process of growing step by step. Trust God’s timing and methods. Recognize Him as the Promise Giver and the strength behind the promises. Remove anything that takes away from your focus on Him. And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
As you face life’s challenges and seek spiritual growth, remember: God will do what you cannot. He is working in your life, step by step, day by day, shaping you into the person He wants you to be. Every small step of obedience, each moment in prayer, and every act of kindness all contribute to our spiritual growth and honor God. Trust His timing, rely on His strength, and marvel at the wonderful plan He has for your life.
