The Long Way

“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.” (Exodus 13:17 NLT)

My husband and I were going to see a new piece of land that our family friends had purchased. They drove ahead of us, and we followed behind in our own car. We didn’t know exactly where this land was, and there was no address for us to enter into the GPS. As we drove out on unfamiliar, gravel roads, we stuck close. We trusted that they knew where they were going, although we had no clue.  We turned when they turned. We slowed down when they slowed down. We sped up when they sped up. The drive was longer than we anticipated, but we finally got where we were going.

When God led the Israelites out of bondage into a new way of living, He led them the long way. He did not take the main road--the popular, well-traveled path with access to many conveniences. Instead, He took them through the deserted wilderness. This didn’t make any sense to the Israelites, but God had His reasons.

As followers of Christ, we are often led through pathways that make no sense to us. When the journey takes longer than anticipated, it is natural to lose patience and feel discouraged. Yet, it is imperative to keep up, precisely because we don’t know where we are going! Neither our wits, experience, nor worldly tools are of any use. It is wise to slow down when He slows down, speed up when He speeds up, and turn when He turns. We have to trust the One who leads us. We can count on Him to guide us along the best paths.

"The LORD says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8 NLT)