Happy Wednesday. It’s January 25, 2023. Sometimes I wish I could go back twenty years with the knowledge I now have, but that may not be the best. I needed time and experience in order to build confidence, loyalty, and commitment. How about you? Read on …
Today's Reading:
Exodus 12,13; Psalms 21; Acts 1
Scripture
“Now it came about when Pharaoh had let the people go that God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near: for God said — ‘Lest the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt.’” (Exodus 13:17)
Observation
There’s always a “nearer” way to arrive; shortcuts, people in “high places” that can put in a good word, favors to be paid or returned, and family or friends that can help shorten the promotion process.
No one is greater than God Himself to help get them instantly from point A to point B! But God knew that an effort such as this would only result in harm and defeat. So, He opted for the long route — the route through the desert and a forty-year detour!
But there was good reason for that. The Israelites grew up enslaved, and all they knew was the life of slavery. They thought like slaves, grumbled like slaves, talked like slaves, and settled for welfare like slaves. But a conquering heart? That would require much more. In order to overcome the battles of the future, they would have to think like victors, act like victors and contend like victors! This kind of change would not come through freedom alone. It would come through a series of discipline, setbacks, wounds inflicted, and wounds healed.
Application
I have been in full-time ministry since 1974, but it’s only recently that I have been seeing a marked difference in the way I handle problems as opposed to how I did it a decade or two ago! There is a different perspective, a deeper understanding, and a fuller grasp of a shepherd’s heart. But these didn’t come overnight, no matter how hard I tried, how hard I studied, or how hard I prayed. There was a process that refused to be hurried, could not be accelerated, and required my willing cooperation.
Prayer
Father, I want to hurry things along, but I notice that I hinder my character growth when I get too busy or impatient. Help me remember that depth comes with time. I want to make the most of my time without taking shortcuts. The shortest distance between two points isn’t always a straight line. It is the line that You are drawing for me, even though it might take me a few laps around Sinai. I know You are changing me from “glory-to-glory,” so help me be content in the stage “glory” that I am in this season.
“And the Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and a pillar of fire by night to give them light” (Ex. 13:20).
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