Pathways Press.com

Written by Jill Weber, a contemporary spiritual director and the director of Houses of Prayer.

The path to the promised land seemed straightforward, but it cut right through enemy territory. God knew better than they did what they were up against and the state of their hearts as well as the strength of their arms. He decided to take them the long way around (Exodus 13:17-18). Our contemporary culture values expediency, but the story in the wilderness indicates that shorter is not necessarily better.  In my life’s journey, as I move toward my goals, does it seem as if God is taking me the long way round? How do I feel about that?  God was up to something far beyond just getting the children of Israel from point A to point B. On their pilgrimage through the wilderness, He wanted to shape them on the way.  Author Daniel McGregor writes: “It is impossible to overestimate the importance of the Israelites’ wilderness experience to biblical history. The wilderness wandering was the formative experience for the Israelites, repeatedly referenced throughout Scripture. From the time in the wilderness came the Law, a way of worship, and a culture distinct from their neighbors.”

Prayer:

This prayer was written by the author of today’s meditation.

 God, when my road takes an unexpected turn, I trust Your good leadership. You know my heart. You know the path before me. Ultimately, You are my way, Jesus. I trust you. Amen.