Why God …?

Why did God lead the Israelites not by the nearby road to the land of the Philistines

but rather by the longer route through the wilderness of the Red Sea? (Num. 13:17-18)

Certainly, if God had led the Israelites by the way of the land of the Philistines,

it would have made Pharaoh's heart hard so that he would chase after them,

and then they would have surely faced being trapped by the Red Sea (14:1-4).

Our instinct prefers shortcuts.

That's why we instinctively turn on the navigation (GPS) when driving towards our destination,

preferring the fastest shortcut to arrive at our destination.

However, it seems that the Lord often leads us not by the short route we prefer,

but rather by a longer, roundabout path.

What could be the reason for this?

The reason why God did not lead the Israelites to the nearby land of the Philistines

is that He was concerned they might change their minds and return to Egypt

if they faced war with the Philistines (13:17).

While a short shortcut may lead quickly to the destination,

it can also quickly lead back to the starting point.

So why did God lead the Israelites on the long route through the wilderness of the Red Sea?

I believe there are three reasons for this:

• To make them fully trust in God,
• To humble them (Deut. 8:2),
• To teach them to live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord (v. 3).

Though the path we are currently walking may not be a shortcut

and may be a long route we did not expect or desire,

and even though it may lead to seemingly impossible situations

like being trapped at the Red Sea,

I pray, like Paul and Silas, praising and praying to God (Acts 16:25).

The reason is that the Lord is my shepherd, and I lack nothing (Ps. 23:1),

and because God, in the midst of great crises,

bestows great salvation and reveals great glory

(Ref.: Exod. 14:4-31; 15).