"when pharoah let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the phillistines, although that was near. for God said, lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to egypt. so God led the people by way of the wilderness around the red sea."
-exodus 13:17-18
this truth hit me so hard last night. when it was time for the israelites to move, God didn't lead them through the nearby path that was obvious and probably easier. He knew that in their fragile humanity, they would see things that would scare them and cause them to run right back to egypt, to pharoah, and to bondage. but hey, at least slavery was familiar. God couldn't risk that. He didn't want His children to turn around and go back. instead, He led them through the wilderness. they had no idea where they were going. they couldn't move ahead without Him, because they didn't know where they were. they couldn't go back, because they'd become hopelessly lost. they had no option but to trust Him - one step at a time.
how many times do i see this in my life? i don't know where i'm going. i know where i've been - and i know who i've been. i don't know where the Lord is leading me, and at times it can be confusing and scary and frustrating. i could turn around and go back, but at this point, i'm so far from where i used to be and who i used to be, that i'd never get back there. i can't jump ahead and figure things out. so i just have to rest here. i have to trust him, and move forward, one tiny step at a time.
No comments:
Post a Comment