Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.”
Exodus 13:17
Recommended Reading: Psalm 91:1-8
It is easy to be irritated when we encounter unexpected circumstances. But God might use such events for our protection. That’s what happened to the Israelites when they came out of captivity in Egypt.
The shortest route from Egypt to Canaan was along “the way of the land of the Philistines”—a trade route that hugged the southeast shore of the Mediterranean Sea. That road led directly to the land of the Philistines. Through Moses, God directed the people to turn south into the Sinai wilderness to avoid encountering the war-like Philistines and be destroyed or driven back into Egypt. Though the Sinai wilderness was inhospitable, the change in direction at least kept the Hebrews alive. There is no record in Scripture that the Israelites were ever told that what they considered an inconvenience likely saved their lives.
Use unexpected events as a way to thank God that every event works together for your good (Romans 8:28).
No Christian should feel under the circumstances because the circumstances are under God.
John Blanchard
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