2.1.9 "The Shortest Route"

"The Shortest Route"

Exodus 13:17-15:18
Matthew 21:23-46
Psalm 26:1-12
Proverbs 6:16-19

Exodus 13:17 say, "God did not lead them through the land of the Philistines, although that was the most direct route from Egypt to the Promised Land."

We really need to grab hold of the fact that God has a perfect plan that is not necessarily the shortest route. Whatever situation you may be in, there may be a point of frustration in your life, or a future plan that God has called you to that you feel is taking "too long" to get to.

We want the shortest route. We want the easy way. I've felt at different times in my life that the road I'm on has taken me so close to whatever "Promised Land" I'm hoping for that I can actually see it in the distance. Then there's a bend in the road, or a detour that in my mind brings me in the opposite direction. In the flesh it can be so frustrating.

When you drive from Milwaukee to Chicago, there's a point where you first see the Chicago skyline. You only see it for a bit, and then you take a curve. After that it seems like FOREVER before you see it again. In fact you don't see it until you're practically right there. This is often the type of scenario in our pursuit of God's plan for our lives.

Why does God do this? In verse 18 it says, "The reason was that God felt the people might become discouraged by having to fight their way through... he thought they might return to Egypt."

Yes, God has a plan for our lives. Yes, he places visions and dreams within us. He gives us goals. But he also knows that were he to drop them in our lap, we would ruin the plan if we have not spent the time with him in the wilderness.

Egypt is biblical example of the sinful life. Leaving Egypt is "getting saved". Too many "get saved" for the purpose of the "easy life", or the Promised Land. The word of God is very clear that there is a transformation that must occur inside the life of EVERY believer. How does transformation happen? Well, it's not found in a bowl of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. (unfortunately!) Transformation happens in the wilderness.

Anyone who's gotten serious about getting in shape is that it doesn't happen in the easy chair. In the same way, the journey the Lord has us on is for the purpose of getting us to sweat off a few pounds of human nature. Yes, you have to get up earlier. Yes, you have to increase your intensity of purpose. Stop whining & realize that's how it happens!

Today's reading in Psalm 26:2 says, "Cross-examine me, O Lord, and see that this is so; test my motives and affections too." In the wilderness our motives and affections are refined. They are refined through opportunities to make his name great. To us, they look alot like obstacles.

When they got to the Red Sea with the Egyptians coming at them, the Israelites' motives were revealed. "And they turned against Moses, whining, 'Have you brought us out here to die in the desert?... Why did you make us leave Egypt?'" Ex. 14:11

God has a purpose in all this. "I have planned this to gain great honor and glory over Pharoah and all his armies, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." Ex. 14:4

Don't think that God has forgotten you. Understand that there is a reason you are not on the shortest route. He needs to complete his work in you. He needs to show himself great to you and through you. Allow him to have his way. If you don't you will repeat the test.

In the wilderness is where you truly understand how to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. "When the people of Israel saw the mighty miracle the Lord had done for them against the Egyptians, they were afraid and revered the Lord, and believed in him and in his servant Moses." Ex. 14:31

Allow God to complete his work in you on this journey.

Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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