HILLSIDE HELPS-“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and return to Egypt. But God led the people about through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea…” (Exodus 13:17-18a) The direction and path in which God leads is not always the most direct nor the easiest, but where God guides He always provides. After four hundred plus years of captivity in Egypt, God set His people free. Moses followed the Lord and the people followed Moses. When they set out on this amazing journey bound for the Promised Land, the most direct route would take them right through the “land of the Philistines”. The Philistines were the most powerful warriors of that day, and God knew that His people were not ready to face such opposition. The people knew about work, but they did not know about war. For generations they had labored in the workforce of Pharaoh. They were tough and had strong backs, but were not ready to face the stresses and struggles of warfare. Because God knew what they could and could not handle, He led them away from the land of the Philistines. He took them on a bypass, so to speak. If today some highly educated money making analyst were to study this strategy, they would recommend the most direct route. It would save time and resources. The shorter journey would be least expensive. This is the attitude even Christians have at times when they set out on a path that makes more sense or takes less time. They have, in the flesh, analyzed the situation and come to their own conclusions without consulting their God in prayer. The results are devastating. There is nothing more difficult than to make bad choices that lead in the direction away from God’s will, only to find later you are surrounded by the enemy, who is ready to wreak havoc in life. The Lord knows and is willing to lead any that are willing to follow. His eternal plan and purpose unfolds to those who have ears to hear and the patience to wait on Him to lead. His path may not “make sense”, but what do we know anyway, compared to our all-knowing Creator? This is why we must trust the Lord moment by moment. You may have to wait longer than you expected for His direction and once you receive His direction, it may not make a lot of sense to you. But is better to wait, trust, and obey than to rush, decide on your own, and follow your own will in the wrong direction. Today, stop long enough to pray and seek God’s will. Then be willing to wait for His answer and direction. It won’t make a lot of sense to your “friends or family”, but in what God approves and opens for you, launch out into the safest journey possible; the Lord leading and you following. (Bro. Jerry McNeer) PLEASE SHARE
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 16:38:06 +0000
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