Exodus Chapter 13 – Verses 17-18 (NIV Anglicised version)
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt.”
So God led the people around by the desert road towards the dead sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.
God doesn’t always take us on the quickest way, but He always directs us on to what is the best path for us. And there’s always a good reason. He doesn’t do so to make things difficult for us. The Israelites were ready for battle in theory, but it wasn’t something that they’d ever experienced before. Perhaps, although they looked the part, their hearts were not yet ready. Therefore God didn’t test them at this point. God knows our weaknesses and He knows the right time to test our mettle.
We can trust that although our life journey may sometimes take a bit of a detour, God knows exactly why and what we need to learn from each experience.
Dear Lord,
Sometimes it’s difficult to believe that the shortest route isn’t the best one. Thankfully you see the perils of the route better than we do, and You direct us on the best way to go. Help me to be obedient in following Your directions.
I ask these things in Jesus’ Name. Amen.