Light for the Journey

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Healing the Blind Man

Exodus 13:17-22

The Message

 ¹⁷ It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn't lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, which was the shortest route, for God thought, "If the people encounter war, they'll change their minds and go back to Egypt."
 ¹⁸ So God led the people on the wilderness road, looping around to the Red Sea. The Israelites left Egypt in military formation.
 ¹⁹ Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the Israelites solemnly swear to do it, saying, "God will surely hold you accountable, so make sure you bring my bones from here with you."
 ^20-22 They moved on from Succoth and then camped at Etham at the edge of the wilderness. God went ahead of them in a Pillar of Cloud during the day to guide them on the way, and at night in a Pillar of Fire to give them light; thus they could travel both day and night. The Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night never left the people.

For Reflection 

God provides for the journey we take with Him.  It is some times difficult to understand when God's plan is not our plan; when the route to the Kingdom of God is not always the shortest or the quickest.  It is, however, the safest journey you will ever take.  Not the least challenging but, rather, the most effective.  Trust in the Lord.

Pray

that you will trust in God's protection.  Pray that you will trust that God's first interest is your best interest.  Pray that you have the wisdom to follow his call.