THE LONG WAY AROUND

"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.'" --Exodus 13:17

Go the long way or take the shortcut? No matter the situation this is typically a no-brainer. But God had other plans for His chosen people, the Israelites. God had just delivered this massive group of slaves from bondage out of Egypt, and they were starting their journey toward the Promised Land. Soon after their victorious departure, the Israelites hit a snag. Okay, it was more like a life and death situation. Under the direction of their God-appointed leader Moses, these former slaves were led to the Red Sea. Nope, they were not here to enjoy a day of fishing nor were they waiting for a boat or ship to carry them to their next destination. Oh, I didn't tell you this part. For those who are unfamiliar with this story, their enemy and former oppressors, the Egyptians, were right on their coat tails while they are stuck at the shoreline of the Red Sea. Swimming was not an option, and turning around to go back would only mean becoming a slave again. In all fairness to the limited human's perspective, they were trapped. I can only imagine all of the wives in the crowd nagging and fussing at their husbands about how they should have taken the shortcut through the Philistine country. Despite their dire circumstances, the Israelites did not realize that God was up to something much bigger than what any human could ever imagine. This 'detour' was not to meant to lead them to their demise. Avoiding the apparent shortcut was meant to protect them from the Philistines, and it also set them up for a glorious miracle.

God instructed Moses to stretch out his staff (long stick). This was not an attempt for one man to fight all of the oncoming enemies. God was about to do something that would have any oceanographer's head spinning. Once Moses obeyed, God parted the Red Sea! All of the Israelites and their cattle were able to cross right through the very obstacle that had them blocked! And get this. They were able to walk through on dry ground! So when they made it to the other side, there was no evidence of water or mud on any of them. And you may be wondering what happened to their enemies. Sure, God allowed the Egyptians to keep coming toward their former slaves. But once they tried to go through the parted sea, God closed the sea right on top of them. The Israelites' enemies were no more!

Whether you are a new Christian or you a seasoned one, following Christ can be hard. Sometimes He will lead you through a shortcut. Other times He may take you the long way around. If you seem to be on a long path that has come to a halt because of a barrier that is bigger than what you can overcome, just think. There may have been an obvious shortcut available, but God with His infinite knowledge may have taken you a different route because you were not ready to face the difficulties that were along that path. Shorter does not always mean better. For all it's worth, God may want to show you that even though He will not remove the problem or obstacle that is in front of you, He will clear the path so that you can walk right through it--on dry ground!

God said:

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you." (Isaiah 43:2a)

Have you been through or currently facing some difficulties along your spiritual walk? Tell me about your experience or what you have learned in the comments. What you have been or are going through may help someone else.