The Detour

“God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.” (Exodus 13:18)
 

From Egypt to the land of Canaan, the shortest route was the established trade route through the land of the Philistines. Yet God chose to lead His people by another way. Why did He do this? Because on this detour, the chosen people experienced God’s mighty hand, His glory, and His love for them in a way they could never have experienced so richly and wonderfully otherwise. He led them through the Red Sea, and there they witnessed God’s judgment upon the people and the tyrant king. The bitter waters of Marah were made drinkable. When they thirsted, water flowed from the rock. When they were hungry, God provided meat and bread for them even in the wilderness.

God has also led us along detours. He does so that we may recognize our dependence and our own weakness, and that we may notice His mighty hand. God has brought us out of great troubles, strengthened us in our afflictions, granted healing in our illnesses, and stood beside us countless times in our loneliness. These detours have taught us to know Him. Let us not be afraid of these trials! Faith in God does not guarantee that we will be spared such paths, but it does assure us that Christ walks with us even through the trials of life's detours. He can turn even the wilderness into His garden. He reveals His wonders. He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies. He makes a way through the waters and leads us from death into life.

He “arms” us for the battle against sin, so that He may lead us to the Promised Land—to heavenly salvation. Amen.
 

PRAYER: Blessed are You, my God, because You accompany me on every path I take. Often I may be moving toward the goal along the detours of trials and difficulties, yet Your Word, shining with pure light, always guides me and gives me strength. In my prayers, I bring before You those whose lamps of faith and hope have gone out in their hearts. Visit them with Your grace and Your providence! Amen.