While we often want to be on a fast track, the wisdom of God has taught me that there is “grace at God’s pace.” Pilots fly by such a rule. Whether it’s going slower than we would want or being forced to change our course to avoid unnecessary storms or hazards, being prudent, cautious and watchful is always wisdom. God always has a good reason to keep us on a course we might otherwise not traverse; until He signals it’s time to change direction.
RELEVANCE
God brought the children of Israel safely through the wilderness for forty years en route to the Promised Land. As they were approaching the land near the place where they would cross the Jordan, God alerted them to switch directions and travel a different way. He had a specific purpose for the change of course. Moses recalls God’s instructions.
“Then we turned and journeyed into the wilderness of the Way of the Red Sea, as the LORD spoke to me, and we skirted MountSeirfor many days. “And the LORD spoke to me, saying: ‘You have skirted this mountain long enough; turn northward” (Deuteronomy 2:1-3).
God directed the children of Israel those forty years with deliberate purposes in mind. The next part of the journey would involve fighting some battles that required specific instructions. They experienced God’s favor and were poised to cross over.
REFLECT AND RELATE
How have you experienced God’s faithfulness where you have been?
Do you see some battles ahead?
How prepared are you to face the imminent challenges ahead?
REFERENCES
Deuteronomy 2:24-3:22