The Long Way Around

I'm sitting in my first of four airports today on my way home from vacation. When you use a frequent flyer ticket, the airlines put you on any airplane with an open seat that will get you…eventually…to your desired location. We started early this morning leaving from Las Vegas headed back home to Milwaukee. Our first stop is Los Angeles. Any 'D' student of geography knows that LA is in the opposite direction that we want to travel. But, there's more than one way to skin a cat. After LA, we'll stop in St. Louis before finally arriving in Milwaukee about 10:00 PM tonight.

This got me thinking about our spiritual journey. Yes, I do that a lot. We know from geometry class that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But we can't always take that route, nor would it always be the best route for us. For instance, God led the Israelites the long way around when they left Egypt. Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." ¹⁸ So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. Ex. 13:17-18

God knows what we need, what we fear, and what will cause us to lose faith, or increase our faith. Many times it is the journey itself that strengthens us and prepares us for what is ahead. On their journey, the Israelites went THROUGH the Red Sea and saw the miraculous power of God, yet again, as they passed through the sea on dry land. They saw Him provide manna, water and meat in the wilderness for over a million people. There are also some great lessons of trust as we take our journey, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Moses led the nation well in the desert, because he'd been there before…for 40 years. As I look back on many experiences in my life, I can see how each step and experience has prepared me for what God is doing in my life now. At the time, it seemed like God was taking me the long way around. Some of these were very difficult times, but I learned that God can do awesome things in impossible situations, and going through struggles has made me the man I am today. Maybe that's why James said, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4

If we had known no struggles, no conflict, no hurts we would be overwhelmed by the ones that face us today and in the future. But God has been faithful in the past and I'm confident that He'll bring us through the struggles of both today and tomorrow. And in the process, continue to perfect us and equip us for what is yet to come.

Who knows? The next trip may be Baltimore, Denver, Miami, Boston, San Diego. Remember, it's where you end up that matters.

Enjoying the journey,

David

P.S. We made it home.