“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea…” (Exodus 13:17-18)
One of the lessons to learn from the exodus of the children of Israel is that God doesn’t always take you through the familiar or convenient road. Think about it: Moses was with over six million Israelites, who were journeying out of bondage! The ‘logical’ thing would have been for the Lord to shorten the journey so the people would get to the destination in time. But that’s not how the Lord works.
In His wisdom and mercy, He took them through the wilderness so they would avoid some things for which they weren’t prepared. These folks had been slaves for over four hundred years in Egypt and weren’t trained for war. Though they didn’t know it, the Lord was acting in their best interest. Now, someone may want to ask, “Couldn’t God have delivered them if they were confronted by enemies during their journey?” Definitely! He’s powerful enough to have protected them, but the fear they would have exhibited would have limited His power on their behalf.
It’s better to trust the Lord and follow Him completely as he leads you even though the road He takes you through may be inconvenient and unfamiliar.
The Bible says, “With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. Don’t ever think that you are wise enough, but respect the LORD and stay away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7 CEV). When the Lord tells you what to do at any given time, do it! It may not sound nice or appeal to reason; do it all the same. It may not be what you want to hear—it may be inconvenient and unfamiliar, but remember He’s the Lord. He sees farther than you do, and He has the big picture.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for loving me, watching over me and guiding me in the way that I should go. I trust you completely and unreservedly with my life. I’ll continually walk in the right paths, fulfilling my destiny in you and doing only those things you’ve planned for me to do, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Further Study
Proverbs 3:5-6
Isaiah 48:17-18 GNB
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
