When Nothing Goes "Right"

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Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible.

Read Exodus 13-15. Focus on chapter 13, verses 17-22. When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that way was shorter. God took Israel the long way, leading them with a cloud by day and a fire by night.

Why take the longer route? Because God knew the spirit of the people, knew what was coming, and had a plan.

He knew what was best for them and how to care for His people.

Christian author Mark Partin writes in his book “Praying with Fire”, “Because God always has your good in mind, HE will do nothing to compromise you.”

Sometimes, things don’t happen as we desire or when we desire. Sometimes our goals, dreams and plans don’t happen the way we want and have to be changed or even disregarded. We must submit knowing that God knows things we don’t know.

God knew that the Israelites were not ready for war. To take a short cut to the Promised Land would involve the people walking straight through enemy territory. He also knew that Pharaoh was on his way to attack the Israelites from behind. So taking the longer route meant they could take time to prepare for war as they traveled to the Promised Land. They would also get to witness a major miracle…the parting of the Red Sea.

There is a song by Christian singer and songwriter Toby Mac that says “God is rolling up His sleeves again…help is on the way. We must spend time with Him, in His word, in prayer as He prepares us for what’s ahead.

Even if God’s will for your life, short-term or long-term, seems to be dragging, you must persistently trust Him. He might be taking you the long way to better prepare for what lies ahead. Be patient while you trust and obey!

Write in your journal your prayer requests and concerns. By each item, write, “I will wait God.”

In large letters, write these words, “I will accept God’s way, His will, and His timing.”

Lord, I grow impatient at times. Forgive me for my impatience. I know that You are always working in my life to make me more like the Lord Jesus. When things aren’t going my way or when I begin to feel like You are far away, remind me that You sometimes take us on the long road to prepare us for what You know lies ahead of us. Thank You for always doing what is best for me, whether I realize it or not. Strengthen my faith and shore up my patience as you shape me into the image of Your Son.