The Process And The Promise

When God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, He didn't lead them straight to the Promised Land, nor did He lead them on the road through Philistine country, which would have been a shorter route to Canaan. Instead He led them on the road toward the Red Sea, and we know the miracle that happened there. You see, my friends, when God makes a promise, there is also a process — otherwise He could just give something to you immediately, which does not require a promise. Often in our lives, getting the promise includes a process or a journey that takes us to a place that reveals our faith, what we cannot see, as well as our obedience and allegiance to our God. The Israelites lacked faith and often strayed from their professed allegiance to the God who brought them out of Egypt. Our lesson from this must be to remember that when God brings us out of a bad situation, He did not bring us out simply to bring us out — He brought us out to take us to something better. Will you trust Him in the process, no matter how difficult, regardless of whether it feels hopeless, and never lose your faith in knowing that God fulfills His promises?

Exodus 13:17-18 — "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.' So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle."