Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt. Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt. Exodus 13:17-18 (NASB) One of the greatest benefits of trusting and serving God is that He always knows what is best for us. Even when we cant quite figure it out because most of what God does for us is beyond our human comprehension. Think about this. In the wake of the children of Israels deliverance from Egypt, the promised land of Canaan rests some 150 miles away. If they had gone there directly in would have taken them less than a month to arrive. Yet, God does not allow them to go directly there because He sees the enemy lurking in the shadows. Not wanting the Israelites to become discouraged and weary in doing battle He guides them in taking the long way around. Having just left Egypt, the children of Israel were not ready for war. Their spirits were broken from the experience of slavery at the hands of the Egyptians. It would not be easy for them to adapt their hands from holding a trowel used to place bricks, to now using their hands to hold a sword. God knows our frame and always considers our weaknesses and our strengths, oftentimes allowing us to avoid the lesser trial that He may prepare us for the greater. They would soon have to cross the Red Sea. Thank God He always knows just how much we can bear. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10: 13 (NASB) As they journeyed He provided them with a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night which represented His presence with them always. That has not changed. He now guides us by His Holy Spirit. Take courage and know that God always knows where we are, where we are going, and what it is going to take to get us there. Gods delay does not necessarily mean His denial. Since He knows our destiny, there is no need to fear. Sure you want to get to your destination fast, quick, and in a hurry. That has tragically become the mindset of the times in which we live. However, there are times when the shortest way to our destiny means taking the long way around. Be encouraged and know that you can have grace for the moment and joy for the journey no matter how long it takes to get to your destination! God knows what it takes to get you there.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 09:53:42 +0000
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