>>>

Exodus 13:17-18 - God in The Valleys.

Exodus 13:17-18 (NLT) When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.

INTRODUCTION

God doesn't always work in the way that seems best to us. Instead of guiding the Israelites along the direct route from Egypt to the Promised Land, he took them by a longer route to avoid fighting with the Philistines. If God does not lead you along the shortest path to your goal, don't complain or resist. Follow him willingly and trust him to lead you safely around unseen obstacles. He can see the end of your journey from the beginning, and he knows the safest and best route. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

Instead of pursuing the direct route to Canaan, which lay through the country of the Philistines, the Lord directed their course southward, toward the shores of the Red Sea. "For God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt." Had they attempted to pass through Philistia, their progress would have been opposed; for the Philistines, regarding them as slaves escaping from their masters, would not have hesitated to make war upon them. The Israelites were poorly prepared for an encounter with that powerful and warlike people. They had little knowledge of God and little faith in Him, and they would have become terrified and disheartened. They were unarmed and unaccustomed to war, their spirits were depressed by long bondage, and they were encumbered with women and children, flocks and herds. In leading them by the way of the Red Sea, the Lord revealed Himself as a God of compassion as well as of judgment. PP282

COMMENTARY

God's Leading His People
   Even though God's plans rarely mirror ours, you can still be assured that He is in control.
   When God led His people out of bondage in Egypt toward the promised land, He did not guide them to the shortest route; He led them straight into the desert. Sound familiar? We see a dilemma in our lives, quickly assess the situation, come up with a solution, and then inform God and wait for His intervention. But then God not only appears to ignore what we suggest; He does the opposite.
   When He does this, God is still good and glorious. God knew the shortcut would be laden with challenges that the Israelites were not yet ready to face, so another plan was set in motion. For their best, God led His own into the wilderness. He might be doing the same with your life today.
   Dear God, lead me where You know it's best for me to go. No matter the terrain, help me to trust that You are in control and working things out for my good. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Job 13:15 (NKJV) Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.
Devotional pending.

Genesis 50:20-21 - Turning Life's Hardships into Stepping Stones.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250424-1401.html

Psalm 23:4 - I Will Fear No Evil; For Thou Art With Me.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240725-1232.html

Romans 8:28 - Triumph in Tragedy.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20241211-1350.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/