My family is planning a walking tour of Scotland. I’m eager to take the meandering paths and the side roads—to encounter parts of the Scottish Highlands that we would miss if we simply stuck with a bus tour. Some things are experienced better by taking the crooked path.
In Israel’s story, we see that God purposefully sent His people on a roundabout, crooked path. The journey made no sense if efficiency in travel had been the top priority. After suffering centuries of slavery, Israel finally received Pharaoh’s permission to leave Egypt (Exodus 13:17). The obvious path to the Promised Land led through Philistine country, a direct trek as a bird would fly. But there was one big problem: In the Philistine land, they would run into Philistines!
Not good . . . for they were a notorious warrior-people to be avoided if at all possible. If Israel took the shortest route and ran into those dreaded enemies, God knew the people would constantly be looking over their shoulder—ready to flee back to Egypt (Exodus 13:17). They would experience the alluring temptation to rush back to where they had been enslaved but at least felt (to some degree) safe.
Knowing this possibility, “God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea” (Exodus 13:18). In other words, God led Israel on a crooked path so that the journey would provide them the opportunity to endure hardships (that were sure to come) in a way that would teach them His faithfulness. It also made their return to slavery more difficult.
God also wants something more for us than merely a life of ease. In His loving wisdom, He’ll sometimes take us down the crooked path—but He will also be with us, leading the way (Exodus 13:21).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 15:11-32
More:
Scan the next several chapters of Exodus. How did the Israelites’ crooked path take shape? How were they challenged to trust God with their questions and their fears?
Next:
Where does your path seem crooked right now? What unexpected gifts might this crooked path offer you from God’s hand?
marino4him on August 15, 2015 at 5:42 am
This devotion is of great consolation. Right now in my Life the Lord has my wife and I on a crooked path. After loosing my position I’ve secured employment out of state. Our vision of moving closer to our grown children is now shrouded with the unexpected care of an elderly family member. In addition, no offers on our house, savings depleted, and to top it off the position I have now is being considered to be cut. As with the Israelites the land of promise is not looking so promising. However, the beauty of this, is the confidence that God is completely in control, He is leading my family on a crocked path for a divine purpose, to shape the character, and Glory of Christ in us, and to make His Glory known to others! So one might say does God lead His children into a place where there is no apparent provision? Does God’s perfect Will lead to a place where His provision dries up. How in the Love for His Children, one might ask – does He do this How can this be His divine will for me? But even in todays story – He did it with Israel in the desert, and lead them to a place where no water was! Then through Moses He demonstrated HIS Power to them by providing water their basic need out of a rock…the last place they would humanly look. And then there is Elijah Lead to the brook Cherith….the stream dried up! Yes my wife and I are on a crooked path…….. but we are not on it alone! Blessings to you All!
Winn Collier on August 21, 2015 at 4:38 pm
Prayers for you on this crooked path. I’m thankful that you carry hope with you.
davedon on August 15, 2015 at 6:56 am
I pray marino4him, that this very day you will see the hand of God upon your life, giving direction and extending grace to you and your family. May God bless you and encourage you as you trust Him, for He is our Rock and our salvation. Blessings!!
Winn Collier on August 21, 2015 at 4:38 pm
May God’s kindness rest on both of you.