“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.”  Psalm 28:7-8

Let’s talk about this big thing that overwhelms you; that thing you bring before God nearly every hour of the day. I know you wish it weren’t there, that He would reach out with one sweeping motion and remove it. You are frustrated that He does not, especially when all power is His. David reminds us that God is our strength and shield, our trustworthy helper. Yet there are seasons when His help does not look like help at all.

God told His people as they traveled toward Canaan, “Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.” His purpose is not merely to remove what threatens you, but to enlarge you until you can inhabit what He is giving you. Slaying one giant at a time builds into your life what will be essential for the future. Never underestimate what is gained while walking with God through progress that comes in inches instead of miles.

God is not stingy, nor is His power limited. Sometimes it is His love that restrains His hand from rescuing you too quickly. Immediate deliverance might remove the problem while leaving you unchanged. He is after more than relief. He is forming strength, wisdom, endurance, and a deeper knowledge of Himself.

I rest in Your faithfulness and my invisible growth. Amen