“Gods Path”

“It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn’t lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, which was the shortest route, for God thought, “If the people encounter war, they’ll change their minds and go back to Egypt.” ~ Exodus 13:17 (The Message Bible)

When the Children of Israel were in the process of being liberated from Egyptian slavery two routes were available to get into the Promised Land. In life we often have those same routes, but as a Christian the Lord leads His Children. Once a person becomes a believer in Jesus Christ by accepting that Christ is real and not only real, but He died for their sins, God begins to direct their life. God has a purpose behind His direction, but His direction isn’t always noticed, because it’s divine and we are simply human and frail. God chose a specific path for the Israelites and God gives the reason; the people would have been scared if they saw there was war. It seems strange, but God can often take us “the long way” in order to not only prepare us, but preserve and protect us. God has a purpose behind the long routes in our lives. Jesus loves us so much that even when we pray for “the short route” to the blessing He knows what’s best and often RE-directs us to take the best path, “the long route.” When it comes to your path, have you realized which one you are on? Perhaps like a lot of us have done, you desire to “get right to it” and do your own thing, finding out a “short cut” to Gods plan and purpose for your life. It’s dangerous to begin to plan our own lives according to our own desires, because our heart is naturally sinful and we are easily misled. If you allow Him to, God will direct your entire life.

At times Gods direction seems like Satan’s path, we look at it and it’s filled with obstacles, traps and snares. As the loved song “Amazing Grace” goes “through many dangers, toils and snares have we already come.” God allows Satan to throw things in our path that sometimes cause us to question Gods plan. “God, are You sure?” Sometimes when we are confused wondering if it’s God’s plan because it’s hard, it literally is the plan and path of God. Sometimes God allows problems into our life to redirect our life. Sometimes we get off track and God lets a struggle come so we call out to Him and He shows us “this is the way I desire for you.” At times we should pray for confirmation and a sign from God, just to make sure we are on the right path, because like sheep, we easily wander off. We can get involved in the wrong things easily, we can get involved with the wrong people, relationships and habits, but God can fix it if we ask Him. So, next time you see trouble or you feel the whole “man, this takes forever” in your journey through life, remember sometimes God preserves and protects as He redirects our life to fit His perfect plan.

Father in Jesus Name, thank You that You are God and You can control the path that I am on. Lord, forgive me for doubting and complaining. Lord, teach me about Your ways and how You direct and guide me. Lord, let me be in that perfect plan that You have. Lord, redirect me if I need it and help me focus on that good path, even if it seems like the rough path. I thank You in advance for the change of my life through a simple prayer like this in Jesus Name! AMEN!