Exodus 13:17-18 (NLT) Israel’s Wilderness Detour
17 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.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.
Clearly, God does not always lead us in the way we may think is best; his ways are not our ways. God knows all things, so he knows what will cause us to grow in holiness and develop in our faith; that is always his purpose. Think about the story of the Israelites in our passage today. God led his people the long way into a place where they found themselves completely hemmed in and helpless. God deliberately took them on a detour, so he could demonstrate his delivering power and love in action for his people. If you find yourself feeling a bit hemmed in and helpless, please use this time to ask God to come and reveal his delivering power in your life.
Prayer: Lord, my life has tasted many detours that left me feeling helpless, but with each one I have witnessed you there working in my behalf. Thank you for your faithfulness to rescue me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.