I am sure that you have utilized a GPS multiple times in your lifetime. Maybe it was for a familiar route, but you desired to be alerted regarding accidents, road work, hazards, and police presence. Maybe it was an unfamiliar route, and you desired to travel the shortest route with the fastest arrival time. Maybe you desired to travel a longer route which required a longer travel time because it involved less turns or avoided toll roads. Whatever the reason may have been, you committed to following the GPS’ route no matter how long the travel time appeared to be. Let’s talk!
Exodus 13: 17 and 18 (NLT) reads, “When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, ‘If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt’. So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle”. In the last posting titled “God’s Rescue Plan”, we talked about the importance of obedience and the result of disobedience. Now let’s talk about the route of obedience which many of us, unknowingly, refer to as “the long route”.
As mentioned in the scriptures above, when the Israelites were released from captivity, God led them along a roundabout way to the Promised Land. There was a shorter route, but it was not the best route for them. I am grateful for the scriptures’ insight on God’s thoughts regarding his decision to lead them along the longer route. He knew the Philistine army would initiate a battle with the Israelites if they went through their territory. He knew the newly released Israelites were not ready for such a battle. He knew that if the Israelites faced such a threat, they would possibly no longer desire to enter the Promised Land and turn back to captivity in Egypt. God’s decision to lead them along a roundabout way protected them from unseen danger while ensuring that they would still arrive at the Promised Land. And just as God considered the Israelites’ condition, strength, ability, and potential for giving up back then, he considers you today. God knows your heart, your mindset, your capacity, your grace, your strength, your potential of turning back, your consistency in obeying his commands, your readiness or lack thereof for certain spiritual battles, etc. He cares for you so much so that he redirects your route to ensure when you do arrive to your “Promised Land”, you will be prepared to steward it well.
Friend, it is essential for you to remain committed to being led along God’s route no matter how long the journey may appear to be. Focus on him instead of the timing. Be reminded of the Promised Land. Stay encouraged. Remain hopeful throughout the preparation process. The Promised Land is ahead of you, so continue to be led along your journey of obedience. It is my prayer that you will remain committed to God as he leads along the roundabout way. TTYL!
