If you’re unsure how to get from point A to point B, what do you do? Recently I discovered the Google Maps app. Key in your starting point, enter your ending point, and voilà! The application will get you there. I have one gripe, however. It sometimes takes me the long way to my destination because it doesn’t always factor in the latest road conditions or take into account which roads are open for shortcuts.
When the Lord intentionally takes us on a longer route, we can rest assured that He has full knowledge of the reason. As the Israelites made their exodus out of Egypt, “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” (Exodus 13:17). He chose to lead them on a different path because He knew the weaknesses of His people. Early battles with other nations would have discouraged the band of brick makers and construction workers—people with no combat experience. Their faith needed to be exercised and strengthened. And God prepared a perfect “curriculum” by leading them to the edge of the Red Sea.
Similarly, God has His reasons for the strange paths down which He sometimes leads us. And if He doesn’t take us the shortest way, we can rest in the knowledge that the experience is simultaneously bringing Him glory and providing for our good. His “way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30).
In the midst of it all, we can look for assurances of His presence. The Israelites experienced the visible manifestation of God being with them in “a pillar of cloud” and “a pillar of fire” (Exodus 13:22). Today, we have the Holy Spirit to comfort, strengthen, and guide us. Yes, God is with us even when He causes us to take the long way home!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
More:
Take a few moments to quiet your heart, and then pray Psalm 25:4-7 to God.
Next:
What have you learned from taking difficult paths in life? How can remembering God’s presence encourage you when it seems He’s leading you the long way?
Gary Shultz on December 10, 2015 at 6:43 am
I do agree that we are directed to a more different route then we may have chosen on many accounts. I also think where we are going is very important; however, how we get there is a plan and purpose designed by providence itself. May we be attentive as we take each step. Thank you, enjoy your Christmas trip.
Tom Felten on December 10, 2015 at 8:03 am
Poh Fang, I’m reminded of a time when my wife and I were considering making a big move that we believed God was calling us to do. But suddenly the doors slammed shut. Yet, 10 years later, the vision we had not only came to be realized but in much greater and abundant ways! It’s so good to rest in His timing . . .
Roxanne Robbins on December 10, 2015 at 9:34 am
A key suggestion you made, Poh Fang, particularly stood out to me: “In the midst of it all, we can look for assurances of His presence.” When life’s journey twists in ways I didn’t expect or necessarily want, it’s tempting to only focus on the challenges. What a good reminder to pause and take note of ways God is offering us assurance of His presence.
godlove on December 10, 2015 at 10:11 am
Thanks a lot for this today. So timely, and so pertinent. It may sometimes sound like a cliché but God’s time is truly and always the best.
mjoekoroma on December 10, 2015 at 11:20 am
Indeed when it comes to God, nothing takes him by surprise. He knows what is best for you and he will bring you to your destination no matter the number of detours on the highway of life. If God said it, it must come to pass. Short cut can often be a wrong cut and the long route is often necessary to build us up for the task ahead. Do not fret or discourage when God’s GPS takes you the long route, remember you are dealing with the person who knows what he is doing and in the end you will be glad that he did.