Read: Exodus 13:17-18
Last week, we looked at the fact that God knows where you’ve been. He’s aware of it all. Even the things that you feel you can’t tell anyone – He knows. He knows how it made you feel. He knows how it has affected you. He knows. And, He knew that about the children of Israel. All those years as slaves, of mistreatment: He was aware. Even when it seemed He didn’t care, He was at work. Because of that He led the on the long road home.
Not only that, but He also knew what they would face:
God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
After generations of calling out to their God and it seeming as though He had turned a deaf ear, freedom finally comes. They’re heading to the promised land. But the shortest route would lead through the land of the Philistines.
Do you remember the Philistines?
They’re a pain in the neck for God’s people.
It seems like they always had been. Just remember your childhood Sunday School lessons:
David and Goliath
Samson and Delilah
The capturing of the Ark of the Covenant
It just seems that were always at odds with God’s people. And, here we see that the shortest route would lead right through their land. That was a problem . . .
Why?
Simply put – they were a warrior people. When this nation saw a large band of people marching toward them, they would perceive it as a threat and take up arms. There was simply no way they would allow passage. So, if they would make it through, Israel would have to fight.
But, would they?
The short answer: No.
God knew this. He knew their inclination would be to turn around and go back to Egypt. Rather than fight for their freedom, they would die as slaves. Just look at their complaints to God and Moses when facing the Red Sea. They actually say it would have been better to die in Egypt than to die in the wilderness.
God knew. So, He took them on the long road home.
Let’s think about this for a minute: God knows what we’ll face.
Just as He knew what was before them, He knows what’s in our tomorrows.
I’ve got to confess that this is a lesson that I’m beginning to learn, and it’s changing me.
Do you realize that God created time for our benefit? We are finite, He is infinite. We’re bound by time, He is not. In fact, Scripture tells us that He is unchanging; the same yesterday – today – and, forever. He promised Moses (and, countless others) that He would go before, be with, and remain always. We have that promise, too.
That means that just as He was with my yesterday, He is with me now. I have no doubt that He is here beside me as I’m typing this thought. And the incredible thing is this: He’s already in my tomorrow! He knew that you would be reading. He knew what you needed to hear. So, He has me typing this today.
Maybe that doesn’t make sense. Let me try again.
All the things that would cause me to lose sleep. Worry. Fear. Insecurity about tomorrow . . . He’s already there. Not only is He there, but He’s got the answer to it all! In fact, He’s already worked it out. For my good. But, more importantly, for His glory!
So, trust His leading. Even if you feel as though you’re on the long road home. He knows where you’ve been. And, He knows where you’re going. He knows what you’ll face!
Listen to the chorus of a song off my project The Journey called Go Before Me. It’s a song written by Marcia Henry and Don West.
“Because there’s peace in the knowing, You’ve been where I’m going; Go before me, walk beside me. Take my hand and lead me where I need to be. When my heart is hurting and the way’s uncertain; I will trust you, I will follow. From here into tomorrow. Go before me.”
When He is guiding you can trust you’ll end up where you need to be. Even if it seems as though you’re on the long road home.
Be encouraged. Rest. He’s in your tomorrow. And, He knows what you’ll face.
***
With many restrictions still in place, many ministries are only on the road part time and are depending on God’s faithfulness for support. If you feel led to make a tax-free donation to my ministry you can do so on my website. I know many of you are in need as well, and I would never ask you to give if it would cause you financial hardship – the best gift you can give me is your prayers! But if you are able and feel led, there is a link below where you can donate on my website. Thank you so much!
Related Posts
