Exodus 13:17,18
Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.”
We love shortcuts. We have to be persuaded to not take them. In today’s passage, God intentionally brings them the long way. This is so interesting in many ways.
God doesn’t override our free will. He could have taken away their fear or put courage within them. He doesn’t do that. We are to be part of the process.
God will guide us, if we want Him to. Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Just as He directed them for their benefit, so He’ll direct us. Particular paths bring different exposures. He may or may not want that for us. It may contain a temptation that we prayed He would keep us from. He will keep us from evil. He will also guide us into good opportunities. This doesn’t mean He will make us a star. That would probably be bad for us. He brings appropriate successes in their proper times.
This reminds me of Psalm 23. It contains so much reference to guidance: “He leads me besides the still waters” and “He guides my path in righteousness for His names sake”. The sheperd knows what his sheep can handle. They have no defenses, they aren’t cunning or fast. They are dependant on the sheperd. It’s almost amazing that there are any sheep alive. When we think of the survival of the fittest, sheep shouldn’t be around. God compares us to sheep. This is the relationship that we are to have to God. It’s not flattering to us, but it’s certainly comforting that we have a caring sheperd.
He knows us and cares for us. Certain paths could overwhelm us and send us away from God. Even though Egypt enslaved the Hebrews, there were plenty that wanted to return. At the sign of any difficulty, many brought that option up. Our old life contained many ways to comfort and soothe us. They weren’t good, but they had some effectiveness. Some circumstances could drive us back to those. He will monitor that. We shouldn’t tempt Him. We are to be wise and avoid paths that we see could be harmful.
Lord, thank You for Your guidance. You don’t overprotect us, but You won’t overwhelm us. Thank You.