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Where are you situated right now?
By Kathryn Purcell
1st February 2012 | Category: Join the Journey 2012
Key Verse
Exodus 13:17 (ESV)
“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.”
Main Content
Central truth: God won’t always take you the most direct route to where he wants you to be...
The Message version of the above verse is even more emphatic, it states: “If the people encounter war, they’ll change their minds and go back to Egypt”. This got me to thinking – what are my areas of fear which might cause me to turn back? Back to Egypt meant back to slavery, and a life of captivity.
The Israelites had been in Egypt, living as slaves for at least a hundred years. We can see the impact and trauma of this throughout Exodus 13 – they told Moses that it would have been better for them to remain in Egypt, than to leave for the promised land. Easier to stay slaves than strike out to claim their inheritance in God. They had become comfortable in their chains, accepting of their unholy masters. Rather than journey to the promised land, they would have preferred to remain in captivity.
Note that God is merciful and forgiving here. He takes them a route designed to avoid even greater terror at the hands of the Philistines. Despite their lack of faith, God is still moving them forward towards their promised destiny.
This gives me great hope – that even in the midst of a wilderness, with enemies all around, God has His hand on my life, on my path, and is only interested in the best for me. He is constantly trying to lead us in the right direction, even though it sometimes feels like the scenic route!
Consider:
Are there area’s in your life where you are enslaved? What are they? Ask God to reveal them to you so that you can live in the fullness of his freedom – in every area of your life.
Also: if you are in a wilderness, take the time to consider why you might be there. God can work in our circumstances wherever we are – even the wilderness can be a place to grow. If you are there now, ask God to move you closer to the ‘promised land’, His hand is still upon you.
Kathryn Purcell
I am Kathryn and I've been coming to CFC for about 24years. I am married to Brian and we usually attend the 12 o'clock service at CFC Belfast, although love Cafe Church too. I work as a counsellor and currently manage a Children's Counselling service based in North Belfast.
