Growing into God's plan for our lives

In Exodus 23, God is speaking to Moses about the beautiful promised land that He is going to give to the children of Israel.

He tells Moses that He is going to send His angel to drive out the nations that are in the land, but in verse 29 I noticed something interesting. God tells moses:

"I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and possess the land." Exodus 23:29-30

The Lord knew that the descendants of Israel were not ready to possess the fullness of the promise He had in store for them. They were too small a people at that point. They honestly just didn't need that much space. They wouldn't even be able to manage it all, and so God, in His perfect wisdom, would give them time to grow...to "increase", giving them a little more and a little more until they had grown enough to possess the fullness of it.

God has plans, purposes, and promises for our lives too, and so often we just want Him to give it to us all right now.  But just as He did with Israel, God understands were we are at, what we can handle, and how we need to grow. And so, although we pray, and believe, and desire ALL of God's blessings and purposes to be manifested in our lives right this moment, I believe that much as He did with Israel, the Father would say to us something like this…

“My child, I do have plans and purposes...even promises for your life, but you're just not ready for ALL of it yet. In fact, if I gave it to you all right now it would only overwhelm you. So, here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to let you grow, I’m going to you mature, and I’m going to let you increase.  As you do, I’m going to give you more, little by little, as you’re ready, so that when you finally do possess the fullness of what I want to entrust to you, you’ll be ready for it.  You’ll be able to handle it.  You’ll be able to take care of it, and you’re NOT going to lose it.”

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own undestanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6