Jonathan Munson, Executive Director

“Little by little, I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.” 
Exodus 23:30

We love quick results. Same-day deliveries. Microwaved meals. Taking shortcuts to bypass traffic. Indeed, there’s something in our DNA that expects, even craves, quick fixes and easy solutions.

Unlike us, however, the Lord loves the process. He prefers working slowly and deliberately over the course of several years, rather than several hours.

When Israel left Egypt, He promised to give them the land of Canaan but said He would drive out their enemies “little by little.” God could have cleared the land in a single moment. Instead, the Israelites fought battle after battle over many years (Joshua 11:18).

Why?

Because the process itself was part of His plan. It gave them time to grow as a people, deepen their dependence on Him, and experience His power in ways they would never forget.

God still works that way today. Though He has the power to instantly change our circumstances, He often chooses to shape us over time. The slow, sometimes frustrating process teaches trust, builds endurance, and refines our character. It moves us from relying on ourselves to relying on God.

Think about your own life.

Maybe you’re walking through a long, uncertain season– parenting challenges, a hard project at work, financial strain, or a relationship that’s taking more patience than you thought you had.

You wish God would fix it. But perhaps He’s teaching you something deeper: to depend on Him for daily strength, to trust His timing, and celebrate small steps forward.

So don’t despise the process. God’s “little by little” is not a delay; it’s by design. He knows what you need, when you need it, and how to prepare you for what’s ahead. As Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said in his famous poem, “Above all, trust the slow work of God.” 

Be patient. Trust His timing. The Lord of the “little by little” is working for your good and His glory.

DIG DEEPER
Read “Are We There Yet?” by Michael Kelley