The Path of Progress

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage (for Mar. 27)
Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20

"who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end."  Dt. 8:16 (NKJV)

Israel's journey into the Promised Land is a wonder-filled story of highs and lows, challenges and successes.
God tells them (and us) some of the characteristics of this journey of inheritance:

1.  It will be gradual (7:22).  You will get your inheritance "little by little."  If you got it all today, you'd lose it by tomorrow.  He gives it to you as you are able to handle it.

2.  It will test you (8:2).  God does not always give you what you need at just the moment you feel you need it.  He may require you to wait for it.  He will actually allow you to be hungry.  This is a test to see if you really want HIM.

3.  It will not fail (8:16).  God stands behind His promise.  He will bring you into your inheritance.  This is not dependant solely on you and your ability.  It rests on His faithfulness.

4.  It will make you stronger (8:18).  It is a major realization that God's aim is not just to carry you limping into your future.  He desires to teach you to RULE.  He is glorified not just in your forgiveness, but in your rise to reflect His victory.  He is glorified in your redeemed strength.

The path of progess is before us.  We are called to travel it with faith, with obedience, and with joy.