Roundabout
Author: Pastor Thomas G. Wilson
April 15, 2020
Exodus 13:17-18 AMPC [17] When Pharaoh let the people go, God led them not by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God said, Lest the people change their purpose when they see war and return to Egypt. [18] But God led the people around by way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the Israelites went up marshaled [in ranks] out of the land of Egypt.
This passage in Exodus reveals what I call the divine “roundabout”. The Oxford On-line Dictionary defines “roundabout” as “not following a short direct route, circuitous.” Many are familiar with the story of Moses miraculously delivering the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage and the subsequent forty-year journey through the wilderness to the promise land. What is not as widely known is that there was a shorter, more direct route to the promise land; however, God was limited to a “roundabout” route.
God’s divine purpose should be every individual’s immutable goal. The adversity, tribulation, and trouble one faces along the way should never alter their route. Each of us is in one of three positions on the path to destiny:
- Shortcut. Only for the mature at heart. Fixed and immovable in their faith.
- Roundabout. People of faith equipped for battle but not yet mentally prepared to fight.
- Headed back to bondage. Quick to quit and backslide at the first sign difficulty.
In preparation for the sometimes rigorous journey ahead of us, on the way to the future glory God has planned for our lives, take the following steps to prepare yourself to fight to stay on course: 1. Believe that God orders your steps. 2. Never be moved by what you see. The scripture text above says “Lest the people change their purpose when they see war”. Your purpose is at stake, remember, we walk by faith not by sight. 3. Don’t limit God by small thinking. With God, nothing is beyond reach or unable to be altered. 4. Always see the Word of God as profitable, filled with more abundant life and leading you on to victory.
For further reading: Ps.37:23-24; 2Cor.4:17-18; 2Cor.5:7; Ps.78:40-56; 2Tim.3:16; 1Jn.5:3-4
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