Weekend, June 14 & 15
Uncertain Times: Delayed for a Reason
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."
Exodus 13:17
A quick glance at a map of the Mediterranean world shows the proximity of Egypt to the Promised Land. It should have taken only a few days for Moses and the Israelites to walk around the southeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea to Canaan. But Moses led the people into the Sinai desert so they would not encounter the warlike Philistines and flee back to slavery in Egypt. The Israelites complained, not knowing that being alive at the hand of Moses was better than being dead at the hand of the Philistines.
How many times do we complain about life's circumstances without knowing what's going on behind the scenes? God's hand of mercy and grace is at work, protecting us and guiding our steps more times than we are aware. Our response ought to be, "Lord, thank you for this delay" instead of, "Lord, why are you allowing me to be inconvenienced?"
Make it a habit to thank God for His providential protection—the shield of His faithfulness that surrounds you moment-by-moment.
God has His hours and His delays.
J. A. Bengel
Read-Thru-the-Bible
Psalm 69:1 - 72:20 ; Psalm 73:1 - 77:20
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