This should truly be one of the simplest truths to grasp, but in reality, it seems to be one of the most difficult to learn and execute in one's life. And for that reason, I'll keep writing about it!
God rarely transforms a life all at once. More often, He works patiently, shaping us through small changes—one upon another—as we learn to trust Him more deeply along the way. Spiritual growth is not usually marked by dramatic moments, but by steady obedience over time.
When God led His people out of Egypt, He did not simply rescue them and place them immediately in the Promised Land. He walked them through the wilderness. What He was doing was not merely relocating them—He was transforming those who would follow His lead in obedience.
The changes God asked of His people were often repetitive and straightforward. Trust Him for daily provision. Follow His presence when it moved. Stop when He said stop. Move when He said move. None of these instructions felt impressive, yet every one of them mattered. Through these small acts of obedience, God was strengthening their faith, shaping their character, and teaching them dependence. He was transforming the spirit, their soul (their mind and emotions) and their body. Have you noticed when you try to make changes, that all of these are involved? That's actual transformation!
God later explained His purpose: Deuteronomy 8:2 (NLT) “Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey His commands.”
What they did not understand at the time was that the wilderness was preparing them. God was building in them what they would need to succeed in the promised land He was giving them. Freedom without formation would have overwhelmed them. And so, day after day, they were invited to trust God in small ways.
Numbers 9:17–18 (NLT) “Whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel set out; and wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel camped. In this way, they traveled and camped at the Lord’s command.”
Those daily decisions—seemingly ordinary—were quietly producing strength.
So what are the small nudges God may be dealing with you about right now? Maybe it’s removing something from your diet—or adding something healthier to it. Perhaps it’s doing two simple exercises each day that take only a few minutes but, over time, create momentum for a stronger, healthier routine. Maybe it’s opening your Bible each morning for just ten minutes, reading until one verse speaks to your heart, and then stopping there to reflect on it. Even writing it down and putting it in your pocket to look at, think about, and pray it through the day. That's what I've done for 25 years, and it's revolutionized my life!
These small nudges matter. They are often the very acts of obedience God uses to bring lasting change. Growth rarely begins with something dramatic—it starts with faithfulness in small things. In the wilderness, God did not ask His people to do extraordinary or overwhelming tasks. He asked them to obey in simple ways, day after day. They often complained about that, but you are stronger than that. You have the Holy Spirit in you! Learn from their journey. Learn from their mistakes. When you do, you will discover a new depth of strength, obedience, and trust in God—and yes, a promised land of transformation that lies ahead.
God still works this way today. He shapes us through minor adjustments of the heart—learning to pause before reacting, choosing prayer instead of worry, trusting Him in areas we once controlled ourselves. These steps may feel insignificant in the moment, but together they are transforming us into who He desires us to be.
Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
Our attempts and plans fail so often. Ouch! God's plans lead us and shape us by how we respond to His guidance, one step at a time. As we walk with Him, we discover a reassuring truth: God strengthens us as we obey Him. We do not become strong first and then follow—we follow, and strength comes.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
If God is inviting you to make small changes right now, don’t dismiss them. Those steps are adding up. They are preparing you. And they are shaping a life that can carry His purposes well.
He knows the road ahead—and He is faithfully forming you for it, one obedient step at a time. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Luke 1:37 (NKJV) “For with God nothing will be impossible.”
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