When the Long Way Is God’s Way!

How was the desert experience for the Israelites? They never had a settled life. They were moving, travelling from one place to another. For all their needs they relied on God; they found no other supplier in the desert to satisfy their needs. Naturally, everyday supplies were not available in the desert. It was a season devoid of that. They were living in freedom under the kingship of God. Numerous questions must have been in their minds. The answer for all this lies in Exodus 13 verse 17. It says, when the king of Egypt let the people go, God did not take them by the road that goes up to the coast to Philistia, although it was the shortest way. God thought, I don’t want people to change their minds and return to Egypt when they see that they are going to have a fight. Instead, He led them in a roundabout way through the desert towards the Red Sea.

God is someone who sees the big picture. When He allows a path which is devoid of any pleasure or abundance, which is even dry, He has His own reasons to protect us from the slavery of Egypt. The God who is the God in the season of the desert is the God who will also lead us through the season of abundance. When we question the path, we should surrender our thoughts to God who knows everything. The answer lies in His hand. The challenge for us is to trust and hold His hand and face everything that is ahead of us. As in this season He will show up as clouds, as fire, as water, and the wind that breaks through and makes the way through the Red Sea; as the power that destroys the walls of Jericho; as the King of kings who makes us defeat kings; as the provider who gives manna and quail every day. Simply, He will show up as the God who makes the impossible possible. Sounds exciting, right? The path is difficult, but we have the way maker who is going before us. He makes sure we reach the promised land and not go back to the slave land of Egypt.

Dear God, thank you for your goodness. We believe in you in all seasons. Thank you for working out miracles after miracles for us in everything. You are our provider and protector. You will bring us to the promised land. We praise you for everything you allow in our lives. May we hold your hand and walk through everything. In Jesus’ name we thank you. Amen.