Little by Little

Human nature wants instant success.

Sometimes God works that way in our behalf. The Bible tells of many occasions when individuals or nations were instantly delivered—set free—from terrible affliction or oppression.

But the Bible also tells us that sometimes God worked slowly—over a period of time. When the Israelites were about to conquer Canaan, God spoke through their leader Moses that they would not experience quick, painless victory. Rather, they would gradually dominate the people they conquered. He said, And he Lord your God will drive out those nations before you little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once. . . . (Deut. 7:2 2 NKJV)

Moses also said, [N]o one shall be able to stand against you. . . . (v. 24b)

The words must have been a shock to the Israelites. During their march toward Canaan, they won swift victories. Hearing from Moses that the future would be different surely challenged their mindset and their resolve, but the promise of ultimate victory was their goal. When they had trouble they could remember the promise and trust the God who gave the promise.

Originally published July 31, 1987.

God's Protection

As soon as he did it, Pharaoh regretted setting the Israelites free. They were slave labor and the economy depended on them. So he gave orders to his army to follow with chariots—and he led the troops.

Imagine the Israelites’ terror when they saw Pharaoh with Egypt’s army closing in on them. They cried out to Moses who had an amazing word: Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring today. (Ex. 14:13 NIV)

The order would be repeated again and again throughout Old Testament history, and when the order originated with God, He delivered His people—every time.

During the Exodus, the people obeyed the word from God through Moses, and the story that followed is one of the most familiar of our culture. Even Hollywood capitalized on the drama of a pillar of cloud . . . hiding people who walked through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. (vs. 19b,22b)

The real drama, however, is God’s plan. His plan was and is salvation. Although the people’s faith was imperfect, He delivered them. And throughout their journey through the wilderness to the promised land, He continued to protect and provide for His people.

Originally published March 30, 1985.
Picture: Commercial landscape, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Living With the Past

Past sin can be a burden—a great weight upon a person—because everything that goes wrong seems like just retribution—like deserved punishment.

At least that was how it worked for Joseph’s brothers. They had hated Joseph when he was young, so they got rid of him by selling him into slavery. Years later, when accused of spying, they were sure their sin had caught up with them.

Years later! How many other ventures-gone-wrong throughout their lives had seemed only fair to them—because they had sinned a terrible sin.

The brothers had no idea the boy would prosper as he matured—that he was, in fact, the very official accusing them. Talking between themselves they said things like, we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us. (Gen. 42:21 NKJV)

Their sin against Joseph did not relate to spying against Egypt. It couldn’t. But they made the association because they lived with a burden of guilt.

Through a miracle of God’s grace, Joseph had learned to forgive. He comforted his brothers: God sent me before you to preserve life . . . to save your lives by a great deliverance. (Gen.l 45:5,7)

Through his forgiveness, Jospeh overlooked the guilt of the past and blessed his brothers.

Originally published July 3, 1992.

"Give Me this Power"

Philip the Evangelist went to Samaria to tell the people about Jesus the Christ. When the people responded to his message, many were healed from their afflictions and set free from demonic spirits.

A fellow living in Samaria named Simon the Sorcerer also believed key facts about Jesus. He submitted to baptism and then followed right alongside Philip, amazed when he saw the many miracles and signs. (Acts 8:13) But although actively involved in God’s work, Simon’s heart remained impure. He still loved the power he had exercised as a sorcerer, and now he wanted to exercise power under Jesus.

It all came to a head when Peter came to help Philip. After Simon the Sorcerer saw Peter laying hands on individuals so they might receive the Holy Spirit, Simon tried to get in on the action by offering money. He said to Peter, "Give me this power also. . . ." (v. 19 NKJV)

And at that point Peter received a revelation of Simon’s motives. "Your money perish with you. . . ." he said. (v. 20a) And, "your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent. . . ." (v. 21b)

We do not know what happened to Simon the Sorcerer, but he did ask for prayer "that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me." (v. 24b)

Originally published May 6, 1988.
Picture: Lilacs long the Red River of the North, Wahpeton/Breckenridge, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Trusting God

One of the hardest aspects of the Christian walk is simple trust. Trust requires restraint—more restraint and therefore more effort—than jumping headlong into a situation or doing something just for the sake of doing something.

Trusting God doesn’t mean we stop making efforts on our own, however. In fact, trusting God might give us confidence to do something we had been afraid to do before. It releases us to respond to Him and to others.

Because He is God, He uses every effort we make, the good and even the not-so-good. Trusting Him acknowledges that the final outcome doesn’t rest with us and it accepts His judgment as superior to our own. The psalmist said, Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass . . . The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down. (Ps. 37:5,23,24a KJV)

Wait on the Lord . . . the Lord shall help them, and deliver them; he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. (Pa. 37:34a,40 KJV)

Originally published January 3, 1992

Picture: Sconce with red berries, 2008. Photo by Solveig