Genesis 33:13 (NIV)
…if they are driven hard just one day, all the animals will die.
There is such a thing as moving in the direction of God’s will at a proper pace. Overdriving, without consideration of the “tender children” and the “cows that are nursing their young” rather than moving along slowly at the right pace, can be detrimental and, in fact, a nefarious plan of the enemy to destroy us along the way by keeping us in “overdrive.” We must rest. We must be sensitive to younger believers who are new in their faith and just learning how to walk with God. Please, my lord, go ahead of your servant. We will follow slowly, at a pace that is comfortable for the livestock and the children… As Jacob was considerate of his flock, so God takes into consideration our state of development and leads us according to the “foot of the children.” We must be alert to the needs of those who are discipling young believers in careful, restorative ways. God is at work among us. His divine guidance will not drive us but lead us with consideration for everyone involved.