Things to Consider on the Long Way...
Exodus 13:17 — “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.”
The "long way" is often the way that God directs his followers to walk. God doesn't do this without intention. In fact, God doesn't do anything without intention!
As we see in Exodus 13:17, God’s intention very well may be that He is protecting us from experiencing a battle we’re not ready to fight. Ultimately, there are many potential reasons that God takes us the long way to where He wants us to go.
This week I want you to consider what some of those reasons could be. Here are a few just to get you thinking…
The path You have me on is the path that will best prepare my heart for what You have in store for me.
The long way will teach me so much more about who You are, and as a result I will forever approach You with a spirit of gratitude.
Take time to read the last five verses in Exodus 13. After reading, take some time to reflect and ask God to give you a heart of trust. You can simply say, "God, help me to trust the path you have me on even though I would not have chosen to travel this direction."
