// Read: Exodus 13:17-18, Deuteronomy 9:1-3 //
17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.[a] The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.
Deuteronomy 9:1-3
1 Hear, Israel: You are now about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities that have walls up to the sky. 2 The people are strong and tall—Anakites! You know about them and have heard it said: “Who can stand up against the Anakites?” 3 But be assured today that the Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the Lord has promised you.
MEDITATION:
Another reason for a longer route in life is that God needs their assistance in fighting wars. Though He will help them to win any battle, they will still have to fight the enemy themselves. Their state at the time they left Egypt cannot help God to fight any battle. In fact, he says “lest they repent and they return back to Egypt”. So it is also, with some phases / situation in our lives; we are not just ready for the nearer route. God will need to take us through the longer route to prepare us for the needed assistance.
PRAYER: God, let me yield to your preparation so I can help you fulfill your counsel for my life.