Truth Told

God did not lead them along the main road

_{New Living Translation (Ex 13:17). Tyndale House Publishers.}

We have all heard that it took the Children of Israel 40 years to arrive at their destination, the Promise Land. Even though, if they had taken a much more direct route, this journey would have taken weeks not years. What was going on? What can we learn from this?

17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, 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. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.

Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ex 13:17–18). Tyndale House Publishers.

I have been considering this story and what it may mean to a follower of Christ, like me. What I’m sharing is largely coming from G. Campbell Morgan commentary writings in “Searchlights From The Word”.

This historical event reveals a Divine principle which we would do well to understand because it impacts ourselves. God’s people pass through many life experiences that at the time make no sense. These Children of Israel had just been released from slavery and were undisciplined and untrained. Before they could withstand the opposition of new enemies they had much to learn and experience. The shortest distance to their destination went directly through Philistine territory and these were fierce people and would have involved conflict for which the Israelites weren’t prepared. If they had just barged on into this land and experienced fierce conflict they most likely would have tried to return to Egypt. Therefore, God led them in a roundabout way. Of course, as we know, they had many difficulties with even this much easier but longer route.

God does this with His people. He leads us by ways which seem to us to be long and tedious and not getting on with anything concrete. We need to be very aware that when God does this He is having us avoid far graver perils then if He took us directly into the planned end result. With God the nearest way isn’t always the shortest way to a lasting result. “Our God never permits us, as long as we obey Him, to meet any danger unprepared. The length of the way, and the slowness of the method, are really making for quick and sure arrival.”^{G. Campbell Morgan}.

Does God Have a Purpose in What I’m Going Through?

I believe there is someone reading this that has been questioning God. They have been asking “God, why are You allowing this to happen to me, what purpose can there be in me having to go through this?” I hope this little unpacking in this blog will be an encouragement for you and help you to strengthen your faith. God sees the beginning from the end, He has a plan for you and hasn’t abandoned you. Be encouraged today my dear friend, God has a purpose in this whether you see it now or not.

Larry Anderson