Even the most thought-out and well-laid plans can get waylaid because life doesn’t always go according to our plans. I get it. Personally, I’ve been going through a difficult season that’s lasted far too long and seems to stretch forever. I’m so ready for it to be over and eager for the next season to begin yet every day I wake up to the same reality.
Typically, I weather difficult seasons by keeping my eyes fixed on the finish line. Knowing there’s an end in sight motivates me to keep going. But when you’re in an unending season the finish line is elusive. This opens the door for doubt to creep in and chip away at hope. And the longer the season lasts, the more discouraging and frustrating it can be. But there is a purpose for all the seasons of our life, not just the good ones. Even if we fail to recognize it, there’s a reason for delays. I was reminded of this while reading the Book of Exodus.
The roundabout way
When the children of Israel escaped Egypt, they could’ve gotten to the Promised Land a lot quicker had they gone along the main roads through Philistine territory. Instead, God led them in a ‘…roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. (Ex 13:18).’ He knew if the Israelites were to face a battle with the Philistines this early in their journey, they would’ve been so discouraged that returning to slavery would’ve sounded better (Ex 13:17).
So He led them off the main roads and into the wilderness. The Israelites naturally had no idea, all they experienced was a long journey through the wilderness. They didn’t know going this roundabout way was for their benefit. From their perspective, it certainly didn’t look like it.
When the journey is short and the roads are paved, it’s easier to hang in there and trust God’s plan. However, it’s a lot harder on the roundabout way through the wilderness where the journey is long and the path is unpaved. And yet it was in the wilderness that the Israelites learned to trust God.
What I’m learning
The Israelite’s path to freedom started with a roundabout way through the wilderness. It wasn’t the most direct route but it was exactly what they needed.
Roundabout ways are not anyone’s first choice. They seem unending and the finish line is nowhere to be seen. The best way to survive is to keep walking, knowing if God has us on this path, He has a reason and it’s for our good.