The Long Way Around

Read

Exodus 13:17-18 “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.’ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.”

Think

Imagine your family is driving to Grandma's house. You know the way. Everybody knows the way. You take the big highway, and you get there in about an hour.

But this time, your mom turns off the highway way too early. “Hey!” you say. “This isn't the way!” Now you are on a slow road with stop signs, cows, and a tractor you can't get around. The trip takes forever. You are hungry and a little grumpy.

Later that night, you hear the news. There was a giant traffic jam on the highway. Cars were stuck for hours! Your mom had heard about it before you left. She took the long way on purpose, because she knew what was up ahead.

God's people had a moment just like that. And the Bible tells us God was the one leading the way.

God had just rescued his people from Egypt. They were finally free! There was a short road that went straight toward their new home. But God did not take them that way.

Why not? The short road went right past a group of people who wanted to fight. God knew his people were not ready for a battle. They might get scared and run right back to Egypt. So God chose the long way, through the desert.

To the people, it might have looked like a wrong turn. But God was not lost. He could see the whole road ahead, and he picked the path that was best for them.

You know what? God still does that. Sometimes things don't go the way you expected. Maybe you didn't make the team this year. Maybe your family had to move. Maybe you wanted something to happen fast, and it's taking a long time.

It can feel like God took a wrong turn. But he never does. He sees things you can't see yet. He knows what is around the corner. And he loves you too much to take you somewhere you are not ready to go.

The long way is not the lost way. When God is leading, even the long road is the right road.

Are you on a long road right now? Take a deep breath and remember: God knows the way. God's got it.

Apply

Trust tExodus 13:17-18 teaches us that God knows the road ahead and sometimes leads us on a longer path because He sees things we cannot. When life does not go as planned, we can be patient and trust that God knows the way, even when we do not understand it.he detour – Think of one thing that isn't going the way you hoped. Tell God, “I don't understand this, but I trust you.” Then ask a grown-up to help you look for something good that could come from it.

Pray

God, thank you that you always know the way. When things take longer than I want, help me be patient. I trust you to lead me. In Jesus' name. Amen.