Backroads

I am not a woman with a sense of direction. I absolutely adore MapQuest because I cannot stand the feeling of not knowing where I'm going. My husband can keep driving and be going in the right direction and somehow end up in the right spot. It doesn't bother him to not know exactly where he is or how he's getting where he's going. I like major highways, not backroads; despite the fact that I grew up on a farm and everything was back roads.

You're probably beginning to wonder where I'm going with this. Well, the other day I was reading the bible when God showed me something I had never seen before. I've read the story of Israel leaving Egypt many, many times; but this time I saw something new. The following is from Exodus 13 (NLT):

¹⁷ 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.^[c] Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.

I guess I just always assumed there was one road out of Egypt and that's the path the Israelites took, but that wasn't the case. It wasn't the shortest route or the easiest way, but in the long run it was the best way. God helped his people avoid battles with the Philistines, which he knew would frustrate them and side track the plans he had. It also set up one of the greatest miracles in the bible - the parting of the Red Sea. That day the Israelites saw the power of God on display and saw firsthand that God was fighting for them. Also, in destroying the Egyptian army, God's people didn't have to look over their shoulders or be worried that the Egyptians were coming after them.

There were well over 6 million Jews that left Egypt that day. You know someone in the group was asking Moses why they were taking this road. I'm sure there were several people informing Moses that there was a better way to get where they were going. It was shorter and easier, which as humans, is the path we want. We want things to be smooth and easy; and if it does happen to get rough, we want that road to be super short.

I think we all have to keep in mind that God can see the big picture; he knows what will happen if we take that "main road". Don't get discouraged if things don't go the way you thought they should; maybe God is saving you from a battle or setting up for an incredible miracle. Just trust that he loves you more than anything and would never lead you down a path that would hurt you. In the end, God's way is the best way, and he wants to bless you beyond belief. Maybe it's ok to not know exactly what road you're on because God does.

This blog is based on Psalm 139:13-16:
"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of
the womb.
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."

You were created for a purpose, and God made you exactly the way you are on purpose! You truly were created to be fabulous!