Mapping the Route
Today’s SOAP journal is brought to you by Hannah Kossow.
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Scripture
Exodus 13: 17 (NIV)
“Then it came to pass, when Pharoah let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through Philistine country, even though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt.”
Observation
It’s significant to note that there was a shorter route to the Promised Land, and God knew he could have taken the Israelites that way. Why not? From this passage, God knew that if the people faced the level of opposition that war brings they would have turned back. What’s ironic is that the people were “armed for battle” when they left Egypt (13:18). Perhaps they thought they were ready to face the danger that lay ahead; but, God knew they weren’t ready to fight. They would have to fight for the Promise eventually, but not yet. For now, they would learn to trust God as He fought on their behalf.
Application
My journey with God is character and trust building. Instead of focusing on the length of time– trying to strategize the best and most efficient way of achieving my goals, ask God to prepare me for what He has in store for me. I may think I am prepared (like the Israelites dressing for war), but God knows what I am ready for and will lead me accordingly.
I am not a disappointment to God when I have limited, faltering trust. The round-about way that God led the Israelites on took them through Mt. Sinai, and this is the same mountain where God first spoke with Moses at the burning bush. It was on Mt. Sinai that Moses receives the call from God to lead Israel out of Egypt. God told Moses,
“And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.'” (Exodus 3:12)
So, God knew ahead of time which route Israel would take. He knew that they wouldn’t have the courage to fight Philistine, and that wasn’t a disappointment to God; it was a part of his plan all along.
Prayer
God, thank you that my imperfect faith does not derail your plans. Thank you for being the perfector and finisher of my faith. Where my faith falls short, you meet me there and lead me on paths that demonstrate your faithfulness and love. Please prepare my character and trust for the things you have in store, so that fear isn’t the thing to hold me back.
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