I like the short way. When different routes show up on my GPS, I always choose the shortest route. I bet you usually do too! But God doesn’t. Actually, God often likes to take us on the long way. That’s what he did with the Israelites when he brought them out of Egypt. He took them the long way. “God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shortest…. God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea” (Exodus 13:17-18). God didn’t lead his people on the short way to the Promised Land. He led them the long way. In fact, he let them right into a big sea!
God does the same for you and me. It’s frustrating! Our best-laid plans don’t work out. In their place, God puts a big obstacle like the Red Sea. Why?!? Because God knows that the long way is often the best way for you and me. The long way taught the Israelites to trust completely in God and not in themselves. The long way offered God lots of opportunities to show his grace and glory and salvation. When it seems like you’re taking the long way, sit back and enjoy the journey. Let go and trust in God’s plan for your life. Be amazed at God’s unexpected grace and salvation. God loves the long way!
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