God doesn’t always work in the way that seems best to me. I’ve been prone to wanting to take the shortcut on my way from point “A” to point “B”. God, in His infinite wisdom, sees the end of my journey from the beginning. He knows the safest and best route, including any and all obstacles that I will face. I need to trust Him to lead me in the best path and not murmur and complain because I would’ve done things differently. His ways are always higher and better and safer!
God knew the hearts of the Israelites and how they would react to adversity. He was continually proved right by their murmuring and complaining all along the way from Egypt to the Promised Land during their 40-year journey. They focused on their misery, not on their deliverance.
The Lord cares about every detail of our lives, including which path we should take. We need to be sensitive to a change of direction when He nudges us in the right way. You may go through times when you feel misery or pain, but He has promised deliverance to His children. Where is your focus?
Exodus 13:17 (NLT) - "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.”