Thursday, September
14, 2017
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. Exodus 13:17-18(NLT)
After 400
years of being slaves in Egypt, the descendants of Abraham had faith in God,
but faith to follow Moses was tenuous at best.
During the unnerving contest between Moses’ miracles and Pharaoh’s pride
the people questioned whether God had really sent Moses as their liberator, or
if he was leading them into catastrophe.
When you’re
in the middle of a life-changing event it is sometimes the hardest time of all
to recognize the “why” of that which is happening. You do not see clearly in a dust storm! But Moses records for us God’s reason for
leading them through the wilderness instead of the shortest route through
Philistia – their shaky faith!
And certainly
it is that way with us all; fledgling faith sometimes is not ready for a battle. Sometimes, because of God’s wisdom and
kindness, He leads us in a roundabout way through the wilderness. We, on the other hand, want quick solutions,
and instant, easy results. We get in a
hurry, come up against an army of problems, and get blown away in the first
skirmish. God wants us in the battle,
but only in His timing. He knows when
our faith is mature enough to handle the enemy.
Thinking
back over the past four decades as Elizabeth and I struggled with the mountain
of where, why, how, who,
and what questions
surrounding our calling to serve God, I can see with hindsight much more
clearly now, and with more understanding.
God sometimes put up what seemed like roadblocks, and other times
launched us into battles that seemed way above our pay grade. All of it was tied to the conditions of the
development of our faith, and His kindness.
When I
compare my own uncertain path
with that of Israel’s release from bondage, it is no surprise why God has led
us the way He chose. I wrestled with God
for years over the details, but finally gave in and left a 10-year career in
business. It was like being set-free
from the chains. I felt like I was
perched on a mountaintop, headed for seminary and the Promised Land was just
over the hill. Boy, did I have some
things to learn!
In
retrospect, had God led me right into a fight with the Philistines it would
have been a short war. I would have run
back to my Egypt, the business world full of leeks and onions.
For You Today
Are you
following God through what seems an uncertain
path? Good! You’re right where He wants you.
You chew on
that as you hit the Rocky Road…have a blessed day!
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