April 26, 2024 The Shortest Way
Friday, April 26, 2024
Read: Exodus 13:17-18, The Shortest Way
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.
(Exodus 13:17-18, NIV)
In a journey meant to take weeks, the Israelites wandered for forty years. They turned a 250-mile trip into one over 1500 miles of meandering through the desert.
Why does the shortest route to our end goals seem to take longer? Hofstadter’s Law says tasks, especially complex ones, always take more time than expected. But maybe it’s God’s Law at work … the one where He says, “The shortest way is My way.” Because His way, the right way, may be about more than just reaching an end destination.
The Israelites, enslaved for 400 years, struggled with their newfound freedom in the desert. Yet, God used this time to teach them self-reliance, independence, and most importantly, to deepen their relationship with Him. He used the time to prepare His chosen people with skills and attitudes, but also a stronger faith in Him, to face the challenges ahead and thrive in their new land.
Sometimes, the shortest – and the best – way is the long way. So that we grow along the way.
Reflect: What’s taking you longer than expected? How might you be learning and growing in mind, body, and spirit through the journey?
Prayer: Lord God, As I journey through life, help me to trust in Your timing and Your ways. When the path seems long and uncertain, grant me patience and faith to follow where You lead. Teach me the lessons I need to learn, so that I may grow not only in skills and the right attitude but also in a deeper, closer relationship with You. Remind me that Your way may seem longer, but Your purposes and thoughts are always greater than mine. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
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By His Grace,
Gloria