“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 might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God lead the people
around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of
Egypt armed for battle.” Exodus
13:17-18
This
passage really caught my attention during one of my recent daily devotional
readings.
As
the People of God, under the leadership of God’s servant Moses were leaving
their time of slavery and oppression in Egypt, it was God’s choice that they
were not to take the shorter more direct route (via what some commentators
refer to as the Way of the Philistines). Rather, God’s preferred
travel plan was a longer way around, enroute
to the Promised Land of Canaan.
It
appears that God was calling upon his People to embark on a faith journey, rather than one of
convenience or maybe even battle.
I
don’t know about you, but the pace of life and ministry has been incredibly
hectic for me so far this year. It feels like I am being constantly bombarded
with an ever-increasing number of important and urgent demands upon my time –
each requiring due diligence and attention.
It
is during such times, coupled with the pressures of living in an I-want-it-now society that I find it
tempting to want to take a few short-cuts.
I
suspect you will be able to identify with this kind of rationale - taking the
shorter route (often perceived as an easier
route) means that I can check things off the to-do list in order to get to
those more important tasks (or to take just a little time out) more quickly.
Or,
it could also mean that when faced with a season of adversity, afflication or a particular
challenge that I would much rather have it over and done with quickly, rather than
choosing to persevere and be patient.
Does
it really matter which method or road we choose to take to arrive at a preferred
destination or a desired outcome?
Surely
what matters is that we get there…right?
As
I consider the personal application of the Exodus 13 passage I sense God is
saying that there can be no short-cuts
when following his call along the road of faith.
The
main thing I believe he wants me to remember is to trust and follow him; to let him lead;
learning his lessons...even if it might mean going the long way around.
During
this current season I have appreciated God’s gentle reminder to persevere and
to be patient; being anxious for nothing.
Perhaps
you can identify with this…
If
so, then may God enable you to stay the
course; following His lead; learning the lessons He wants to teach along
the way.
“By faith he [Moses] left Egypt, not fearing the king’s
anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because,
having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord
has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12
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