I spent some time yesterday rehashing the events leading up to the Israelites crossing over into the promised land in Exodus. You know, the land that was promised to them that was flowing with milk and honey. Much like the short hike I went on through brush-filled woods after my study time, it was full of challenges that needed to be cleared out the way so they could go forward. The land they were destined for, after having been freed from years of bondage, was on the other side of God ordained obstacles. Let that sink in. These people had experienced more hardship than many of us will ever experience and, yet, even after that, their path to freedom and abundant life was laden with its own set of challenges- that our good God brought about.
Exodus 13:17, "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.' So God led them around by the desert road toward the Red Sea."(emphasis mine.) God wasn't pampering His people. They were not headed to a sunbathing-filled vacation. He knew them so intimately well that He hand-picked the challenges they'd face, so that the challenges themselves would drive them to the Father and His way, rather than turn them away from the journey to the promised land. In the verses that follow, we see that on this arid, desert road He clearly guided them by day and by night. He maintained evidence of His presence and direction in front of them at all times. Never did they have to wonder if He was near. In chapter 14, the Lord tells Moses, "Tell the Israelites to turn back...Pharaoh will think the Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert. I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them...I will gain glory for Myself through Pharaoh and his army... the Egyptian's will know that I am the LORD."
The Israelites were taking... No, they were being led the looonnnggg way. They appeared lost and confused and to be going "backwards." But, they trusted the Lord, and Moses response to them was,"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." And the Lord's response to Moses,"Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on."(verse15)
To you and Me, keep walking! In our obedience, we may appear confused and lost and foolish to those watching from the outside. Challenges may even come about because of our obedience, but we are to trust the Lord God with all our heart and mind!
Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach[a] to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Go read Exodus 14. This trust walk of obedience leads the Israelites backed up against the impossible, walking through waters that are parted for them, and their enemy taken care of. The result of their perseverance... verse 31, "And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant." In hindsight, worth it. Every. Time.
Ya'll, these people were not just any people. They are God's chosen. His beloved. At this time, God is speaking and leading Moses to lead His people in very real, very audible, very tangible ways. He is clearly with them. He's present. Nevertheless, there is hardship. This flies in the face of what, if we're honest, our hearts believe and long for- 'there will not be hardship or difficulty if we're face to face with Jesus, walking with the Father.' Of course, our flesh cries out for this ease. Our flesh will always crave the path of least resistance and most pleasure. This is simply not the way it is. We will face trial. James 1 confirms this when it tells us that when (because its coming) you face trials and your faith is tested, persevere, because perseverance, which when it's finished, completely matures you so that you are lacking nothing! There is purpose in the pain, purpose in the process.
So... Perhaps, Father is taking you the long way to your promised land, because He knows you intimately well. His promises and intent for you are always for your good and His glory, His perspective and purposes are eternal, such as that our horizontal views don't always grasp. He knows the fragile places tucked away inside that need to be strengthened for the days ahead. He also understands your places of unbelief and is willing to transform them. He is secure in who He is and is more than willing to prove Himself and His love to you. You are the apple of His eye. His eye is upon you, watching every step you take. He guides and guards His children. He also grows them up and parts waters for them along the way. You are not alone in this season and you can believe fully that this season will pass. Embrace it for what it is and look for the beauty within it. It's there. Because He's there. You only need to be still and obey, the Lord will go before you as well.
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