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Exodus 13: 17, 18 NIV: “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. “ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.”
Often I don’t understand why God doesn’t answer some of my prayers faster. Or when a roadblock gets in the way, I can’t fathom the purpose of the detour. I become confused and ask God: Why is this happening? I just had that conversation again with Him this past week.
God doesn’t always work in the way we think He should. Our way we think should come instantly, but God sees and knows the full picture. He can see beyond today and I cannot.
God didn’t direct the Israelites along the direct route from Egypt to the Promised Land. Instead, He took them by a more prolonged route because He wanted them to avoid fighting with the Philistines. That is a lesson I need to remember. If my burden and prayer request is not immediately answered, or He does not bring about the shortest and quickest logical (to me) means to my goal or plan, I need to stop complaining and resisting. Instead, I must trust God to lead me around safely hidden obstacles, which he already knows will happen from my choice of decisions.
The end of the journey is already known by God, from its beginning. He knows the safest, most excellent, top, premier, optimum, ideal, superlative, and unrivaled route for guiding our lives. But that fact doesn’t always make it any easier to cope and handle difficult circumstances in our own strength. That is when we have to lean on our good shepherd entirely.
Our personal discouragement sometimes hinders us from willingly listening to God. How often haven’t I felt like just giving up when hitting that brick wall in life?
Anyone can obey God when life is comfortable. Desired results are not always instant. But when we are persistent in our faith, steadfast, unmovable, even when all of life seems impossible, God is still on the throne. He is there and waiting for us to commit our needs, desires, and dreams to Him.
God is:
- Jehovah Shalom – Giver of Peace.
- Jehovah Shammah – Ever-Present One.
- Jehovah Rohe – Good Shepherd.
- Jehovah Rophe – Healer.
- Jehovah Nissi – Battle Fighter.
- Jehovah Jireh – Provider.
Are you feeling like you are being taken on a more extended route instead of the fastest route regarding something you are going through? I do many times. God’s plans for each one of us are purposeful. As often as you ask for spiritual insight, the Holy Spirit will surge within your soul pointing out the truth found in God’s Word for your specific situation. He will do the same for me.
Questions:
- David asked God, in Psalm 13:1: “How long, O LORD?” Write out your own prayer to God requesting relief in your hard circumstance, and express your impatience. Pray the various names of God that fit your situation.
- What verses can you gather to help you be anchored unwaveringly and rely entirely on God during the hard times?
If God is not leading you through the shortest path to your dream or goal, or you find yourself suffering in yet another trial, trust Him to guide you safely around invisible obstacles. God sees the end of our journey from the beginning, and He knows the safest and optimal route. So be armed for battle!
Listen to “Here’s My Heart Lord” with Lyrics by Lauren Daigle.