And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. [But] I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. – Exodus 23:28-29
If we take Israel’s Promised Land symbolically as experience of our Spirit filled life in Christ1 then this little verse shows why God doesn’t immediately change everything in our lives, all at once, when we first enter Christ.
God promised to even send hornets ahead of Israel to clear out their land but only as they would be able to occupy, otherwise nature would take over instead. Ever see an unoccupied house, a neglected garden, or someone who bought more home than they could maintain? It’s the same spiritually — God cleans up our lives as we grow and are able to keep it clean.
We may not be able to make some needed changes this year or next but God understands and tenderly leads. He will eventually get to it all when time is right — He is doing the same in those we love, too.
-fritz@langgang.com
1 – Promised Land Symbolism – June 15, 2011
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