When the Israelites were leaving Egypt, the Bible says (Exodus 13:17) that God did not let His people go the easiest route. He did “not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near.” The reason for taking them the long way around was that when they encountered war, they would want to turn around and head back to Egypt.
Do you ever wonder why life seems so difficult? Why can’t it just be easy? Why does it seem constantly like I have to take the long way around?
Honestly, many of us make it more difficult. Unfortunately, we make golden calves that distract us, and at times we grumble and complain about what God does provide. When we encounter challenges, we want to retreat. I would say the hardest felt set backs are the idols we make ourselves, and the distractions they create in our lives.
If your continue to read Exodus you will discover that the challenges mentioned in the previous paragraph were in fact the same obstacles the Israelites encountered.
If you continue to read in chapter 13, you will discover that God provided sure guidance along the way, “a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.”
We may have to take the long way around, but we can find sure direction by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Bible. All the Israelites had to do was follow the cloud and the fire, and do what God specifically said to do. Not really that difficult. Most of their difficulties were self imposed. Just like most of us. Begin this week resolved to stay on the difficult road, but to lay aside the self-imposed detours. I think we will discover that his yoke really is easy, and His burden really is light. (Matthew 11:29-30.)
