It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn’t lead them by the road through the land of the Philistine, which was the shortest route, for God thought, “If the people encounter war, they’ll change their minds and go back to Egypt.” Exodus 13:17
I read this verse today.
I relate in more ways than one.
God taking the newly released Israelites the
long way
to the promised land.
Have you ever felt like God was taking you “the long way?”
That He was taking a jolly long time to get you from point A to point B, from one lesson to the next, or making you wait a while until He brings you to the place of rest? Have you wondered why it takes you so long to learn a spiritual lesson and God seems so “easy” on others?
As I read this, my thought was “this is my life!”
Maybe it’s because I’m stubborn, whiny, and impatient like the chosen people.
God seemed to know them pretty well. He knew if the-going-got-rough on the short road, they would go back to bondage.
How true it that of life? How the short road, the easy answer, the quick fix often results in going back to the not-so-good situation. I often see this when people want behavior to change quick and pain to go away now. Truth says,
This weekend, the long road is real for me. I’m running 13.1 miles with an inspiring friend. Neither one of us thought we could do this four months ago. Believe me, I’m ready for the short route again. But like other things in my life, I’m committed to make it through. To make it to the finish line. To say, this was hard, but I did it.
And so can you. Whatever your long road is today, you can do it. Your God knows your every weakness and He is building in you strength, endurance, courage and wisdom. Don’t give up. Take the next step and the next. You can do this. You’re going to make it.
“Dear Jesus, pour out your strength today on each and every reader who is in need of courage, encouragement, and stamina for the road they are on. Let your presence be beside them and your Spirit empower them in each step to the land of peace. All of this, Lord, in your precious Name, that You will receive the praise, honor and glory as we walk each day, each step. Amen.
WOW!! Amazing post and truly ministered to my heart today!!! Kind of goes along with my "God's Time" post :))I have to remind myself not to whine and complain as the children of Israel did…As I do not want to wonder in the wilderness :)) Endurance at times can be a hard lesson, but we are so much better for it in the grand scheme of things. Blessings~Stacey
Kim, I am so glad there are people like you who link arms with others. You are a great encourager!
Thank you Amelia! Thank you for your encouragement and truth.
Thank you, Ingrid! I'm thankful for friends like you cheering me on!
What a wonderful analogy, Brenda. Your testimony and your stamina testify that victory can be ours if we're willing to take the long road. Congrats on the race…and on the "big" race!!
What a great post! I've never caught that verse before regarding their exodus. He has a plan even in what seem like long detours. Have a wonderful race, and congrats on making this milestone!
Blessings on all the roads you travel Brenda! Such a good visual to think of Jesus walking arm in arm with us as we go isn't it! I forget that he is there sometimes – thanks for the reminder – I will link arms with him and off we go!