Slow and Steady

"Go through the camp and tell the people, "Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own." Joshua 1:11

God had promised the Israelites that he would lead them to the Promised Land of Canaan. He said he would deliver the land into their hands. On their journey from Egypt, he had shown them miracle after miracle. He had led them by pillar of fire during the night and clouds in the daylight. God used Moses to lead this multitude of people and through it all, God had been faithful. It was a slow and steady process.

So why did it take the Israelites 40 years to enter the Promised Land? They had much to learn before they could receive what had been promised. The generation that fled Egypt never stepped foot into Canaan. Such a sad thing that it takes us so long to learn, yet thankfully we have a faithful God who is good to his word and doesn't quit on us!

After 40 years, the Canaanites were ready to enter this land that had been promised generations long before them. Joshua had been established as their new leader, they were ready to receive what was promised (insert a brief sigh of relief) and then.... they fought for seven years to remove the inhabitants of Canaan! What? Seriously, they had to fight 7 years to conquer all of Canaan. I don't know how I missed this small fact over the years, but in my mind the Israelites went into the land and in no time at all had victory and claimed it as their own. Maybe because I can read the account so quickly in the scriptures I didn't realize the major time lapse that actually occurred. But, it was a slow and steady process.

Over the last 4 days I haven't been able to stop thinking about the fact that the Israelites fought 7 years to conquer Canaan. I've told my family members (One of them claims I told her twice!) and pondered this thought... seven years of fighting to remove the sin from the promised land.  Seven years of slow and steady progress. Seven years!

I have to wonder why I expect God to instantly conquer my sins or the sins of those for whom I pray. I get anxious when he doesn't respond instantly. I start to wonder if my prayers are ineffective or not from a right heart. I want answers, and I want them now. But that is not the God I serve. HE IS SLOW AND STEADY! Yes, he could miraculously change things, fix things, or take away issues in an instant. But mostly he works, slow and steady, within the hearts of his children.

How long will you pray for your husband? How long will you work with God to heal your pain or stop your addiction? How long will you daily forgive the one who hurt you? How long...? What if it takes 7 years or perhaps 27? Will you keep praying and fighting the spiritual fight until you see victory? Oh, we don't have to fight physically like the Israelites, but we have to suit up and prayerfully battle everyday!

Friend,
7 years is a long time. We need each other because this journey isn't easy. But together, by the grace of God, we will enter the promised land! For the victory is already won in Jesus. And the battle is the Lord's, and he will fight slow and steady on our behalf! And in the meantime, we encourage and uplift one another! Amen!