Re-Routing…Re-Calculating…My Navigation System is Malfunctioning

Do you recall the days when navigation systems were introduced? Those bulky devices that required a computer connection to download maps. Then, we mounted them on our front windshields, entered the address, and set off. Well, that’s what we believed. As soon as we stepped out of the driveway, we were greeted by the friendly voice of the navigation system, “Re-Routing” and “Re-Calculating.” Once it got going, it took us on the most bizarre and extended route imaginable. The worst trip I’ve ever had was when I used that system to drive to Atlanta. There are parts of Georgia that I’ve seen using that system that I’ll never see again now that navigation technology has advanced. Thank you, Lord!

Now that I’ve expressed gratitude to the Heavenly Father for the advancements in technology, I’m curious to know if you’ve ever questioned whether you’re on the path that the Heavenly Father has set for you. Does this path seem like the most challenging and arduous journey you’ve ever undertaken? Does it feel like the Heavenly Father is taking an eternity to guide you to your destination? I completely understand these feelings. However, I have a revelation to share with you: you may be on the easiest path. It might sound contradictory, but let me show this in scripture.

Exodus 13:17 (NLT) When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”

Exodus, one of my favorite books of the Bible, truly demonstrates the immense power of the Heavenly Father. The story of the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt is well-known, and the iconic line from the movie “10 Commandments,” “Pharaoh, let my people go!” resonates with many. While we are familiar with Moses splitting the Red Sea, it’s crucial to recognize that the Israelites had to get there first. We often seek the quickest path and the Red Sea moment, neglecting the arduous journey and the challenges they faced. When most people read the book of Exodus, they tend to focus solely on the Heavenly Father’s display of power at the Red Sea. However, the most significant aspect of this story lies in the Heavenly Father’s initial re-routing of the Israelites. Without this pivotal intervention, the Israelites would not have reached the Red Sea. Therefore, our focus should be on the Heavenly Father’s role in guiding and re-routing them, rather than solely on the final destination.

As I conclude, I want to share a valuable lesson with you. The shortest route is not always the easiest one. There are battles that you may not anticipate and are not prepared for. Don’t be so fixated on the promised land that you take the wrong path and find yourself unprepared for a battle. Instead, allow the Heavenly Father to guide you, just as He led the Israelites. As the Bible states in Exodus 13:21, “The LORD went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and HE provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.” The Heavenly Father’s route may not be the shortest or the easiest, but it is the best one. It’s not that your navigation system is malfunctioning; it’s the Heavenly Father who is re-routing and recalculating your path to the land HE promised you.

Next Step:

Think about how you can cultivate trust in the Heavenly Father’s guidance during times when the path ahead feels unclear and challenging.

God bless you, God keep you. God loves you and I love you too!