God Trains Us For An Extended Time So That We Are Prepared When It's Time for Battle

Exodus 13:17-18

Sometimes it seems that God has us on a lengthy path in life. Trust Him to help you avoid the shortcuts that can get you in trouble.

Soul Food

“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road through the land of the Philistines, though it was shorter. For God said, ‘If the people face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ 

So God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt arrayed for battle.”

- Exodus 13:17-18 (NIV)

Soul Search

• Do you ever get bothered or upset when it seems like things in your life are moving at a snail’s pace? 
  Can you name one or two things that you wish were moving faster?

• Can you look back over your experiences and see how God has built one experience on top of another to prepare you for future opportunities?  
  Take some time to reflect on your life’s journey and experiences as part of God’s larger, long-term plan for you.

• Are you one who is prone to trying to find shortcuts? 
  Most of us try to do that at different times but can you see the value in going the long way?
  Can you see God’s protective hand on you by keeping you from going too quickly into new places when He knows you’re not ready?

Soul Moves

• Ask God to show you areas in your life where you’re moving too quickly or trying to take shortcuts.
  Ask for His help to slow you down.

• Take some time to reflect on your experiences in life and ask God to show you how He has been building one foundation upon another to prepare you for His plans and purposes. 

• Ask God in prayer to keep His protective hand on your life so that you aren’t allowed to take shortcuts that could ultimately hurt you.
  Ask for the patience to persevere through seasons where it seems like you’re not going anywhere very quickly.
  Ask God to help you trust Him to get you where you need to go with an ‘on-time’ arrival.