I recall many, many years ago while driving out of state when vehicle GPS navigation systems were just coming on the scene, a time when I followed the directions of one of those navigation voices against my better judgment. The suggested route seemed to guide me many miles out of my way on rather narrow and rough back roads. I seriously considered turning around and reverting to the old school method of using a hard copy roadmap. But after traveling about 20 miles of what I considered a most circuitous route adding almost 40 minutes to my 4-hour trip, I emerged back on my original highway just beyond a huge traffic jam with cars and trucks stretching miles in the opposite direction! It was obvious that what I thought was the wrong way was indeed the right way. 

In Exodus 13:17-18 we read how God led the Jewish people in a similar roundabout way. Instead of taking the “near route,” which would have meant a very disheartening conflict with the Philistines, God led them through the wilderness on a much longer journey. Just as with my little excursion, it turned out for the best as God provided both protection and deliverance when they reached their destination, the “land flowing with milk and honey.” Many times, I have experienced seeing how God doesn’t always show me the shortest or easiest path to reach my goals. Those are times when I would’ve chosen a seemingly “better” way, and to my shame, I too often did. But with age and experience, I did learn these hard lessons, as the Israelites did, that though the wildernesses of life God always knows the end from the beginning and it is always best.

“My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow.”

Rev. Harold Hazen, Fort Wayne, Ind.