“The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you.” (Deuteronomy 7:22)

This verse gives us some interesting insight into how God works to bring His will and our dreams into reality in our lives. I don’t know about you, but I imagine things a lot (probably too much and in too much detail), and things don’t usually work out like I pictured them in my head. I have found though that the Lord has brilliant ways of incorporating the aspects of my dreams that were really the most important, the ones I really was keenest on, into the plans He has for me.

Sometimes it can be hard waiting patiently, but the Lord has a preparation plan for each of us, and that part of His overall plan for us is just as much a part of our calling as anything else we will do later. We have a heart to do this or that, to help people, etc. God cares about all those things too (more than we do), but He also cares about us. He cares enough to develop us so that once we receive his blessing, it is a blessing and not a curse. We see this principle at work with ancient Israel in how God allowed them to possess the promised land at a rate they could handle. It has taken me a long time to learn to let the Lord lead me ‘little by little’ (and really I’m still learning) but I at least know by now how important this is (even if I still do too much imagining).

As you think about this verse this week, recognize that we are reading it allegorically, we are taking this as a principle for how God works and applying it to our own lives. So think about what things like “clear away these nations” and “the wild beasts” might mean in your situation. Ask the Spirit to speak to you as He spoke to Moses and show you those places where it’s going to be “little by litte” and to help you have peace with the process. Also reflect on how your calling is not just something in the future, not just for when you get “there,” but includes where you are right now. Where you are right now and what the Lord is doing in and with you right now is an absolutely essential part of God’s plan for you. Embrace it.