Deuteronomy 7: Have Patience

"The Lord your God will drive out these nations before you little by little.  You will not be able to destroy them all at once; otherwise, the wild animals will become too numerous for you."

Deuteronomy 7:22

Patience is a trait which humans consistently struggle with.  So is gluttony.  God knew that His people would, after taking one or two small nations, desire more and want to speed up their invasion.  He warns against this with sound logic - the wild animals will be too much for them to handle.

This, to an agrarian society, is a much more significant threat than modern urbanized society gives it credit for.  Large cities aren't prone to attack from wild animals because the beasts know the threat that a mass of humans can be to them.  However, pastures of livestock are quite vast, and predators have no problem snatching up a few gentle sheep or other domestic animals while the humans are asleep.

It's important to note that they aren't just instructed to follow God's schedule, but they're told why.  Before the Israelites even have time to think about complaining about wanting more, they are educated about the necessity for proper timing.

Question of the Day:

In what way(s) are you trying to rush past God's timing and accept blessings before they're due to you?  What will be the consequences if you do so?

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, teach me to trust in Your schedule for my life.  Educate me about the need for patience in every circumstance for which you require it.  Give me the wisdom to make right decisions at all times, and to carry Your commands with me always.  Amen.