The Journey Through the Desert

Exodus 13:17 

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.”

I can look back on life with our girls when they were young and smile. I can also look back and frown. Some situations we went through were super tough, like when we lost one of our precious pets, while others were happy, like when we surprised them with a trip to Disney World. Some times were almost too much to bear, but we got through them. There was no “watch out for this” warning flashing in front of us when a hard time would hit. No, when hard times hit, we buckled down and trusted in the Lord, and when our trust in the Lord had worn thin, the good Lord never left us. Now I can look back and know that it was He who was carrying our family in those tough times. The desert we walked through now holds a testimony we can share.

Two things here we must understand about God:

1. He is aware of the journey ahead, and He is keeping us from wars we cannot win. You might feel like, “Why are we going down this path?” or “This is surely the long way through.” Just know that He is leading you away from battles you’re not ready to face.
2. The purpose of the trip is to keep you focused on Him so you don’t go back to your old life. God knows you might not be up to the challenge when things get tough, or that the shorter path might lead you into compromising situations where your faith could be shaken.

This was surely the long and hard way to the land flowing with milk and honey, but you have to believe this proving ground was meant to transform a slave population into a people who believe they are chosen, and live like it. You may have just seen God’s hand on your life, and He surely delivered you from something visibly bad.

Remember, the journey now is meant to get you to think like someone who is chosen and purchased with a price by the blood on the cross. Knowing this is wonderful, but walking in it and believing it is what we learn to do while in the desert, trusting Him. Today, thank God for the way He is leading you, and pray that your heart will align with what God wants. Trust Him as your navigator.

Prayer: Father, help us to understand that You are guiding us into all peace. I pray that we would not complain about the journey we are on now, but rather keep our eyes on You. I pray that we would not let the desert we are walking in strip us of our devotion to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.