Living Above Ministries: War or Wilderness?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

War or Wilderness?

Have you ever wondered, "Just where am I exactly?"

In today's world of technology rarely do we even have to say, "I'm lost. I don't know where I am." For we only have to look up to our GPS and see where we are and find the shortest route back to familiar surroundings.

Yesterday I read a passage from my One Year Bible that I have read many many times. I absolutely love when I read a familiar passage and see something new! It reminds me just how fresh and alive is the Word of God.

Exodus 13:17-18 (ESV)

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt."

But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.

I bet that as the people of Israel were leaving Egypt, some wondered if Moses was holding the map correctly. "Um.... Hey Moses, I think it may be faster if we go this way!"

However, God knew His people were not yet ready to face war. He was so concerned about their mental state of facing war that He led them towards the wilderness instead!

After reading this, I asked God,

"Are you leading me toward war or wilderness?"

I wish I had an answer for you this morning. But the beautiful part of this passage is not found in the answer to this question.

Here's the beautiful part...

It's two things

1) He's doing the leading!

Let's read it again... "God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines".... "But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness...".

It's okay if you're facing war and every day is a battle. It's even okay if you're spending some time wandering in an unfamiliar place with very little resources. As long as you're allowing God to lead you, He will show you the way out to safety!

2) He will equip you!

The last part of this verse reads, "And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle." Whether war or wilderness, the Lord is going to equip you with whatever you need for the path He has set before you.

Therefore walk forward with confidence that He's leading you and He has prepared and equipped you to face either the harsh or the unknown.

If you're here from iFellowship... WELCOME!

I hope you grab a cup of your favorite beverage

and hang out with me a while!

Leave me a comment, so I'll know you came by

and know that I'll be by later to visit you as well!