The Scenic Route

   We have been studying Exodus in our ladies’ Bible study at church. We have gone through the plagues and the Red Sea passages and are now approaching Mt. Sinai. I was moved by the motion of Israel escaping Egypt by following God’s pillar of cloud and fire. Their route was chaotic at best and did not seem like Divine guidance from the spectator seats. It probably did not feel different to the Israelites who were nothing more than escaped slaves with a bondage mindset at this point.

   Yet, there is a verse here about God’s hand we read about earlier, “Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out of this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten” (Exodus 13:3). There is something here about the Israelites walking, every step being directed by God, as He leads them into a seemingly perilous position. Their backs were to the Red Sea and they were surrounded by the landscape. The only way out was blocked by the entire Egyptian army.

   My husband and I took a road trip from Oregon to Nebraska this summer with another family member. I was tasked with mapping our route and in so doing I found some scenic drives to bless them with the beauty of nature. I researched and found one of the best scenic drives in Wyoming was a loop that would drop us back on our highway toward our destination. It would add nearly one hundred miles to our trip, but it was highly recommended.

   Our travel companion became nervous about the detour mentioning concern that we would be driving on gravel roads and they just were not sure we should take the route. The tension in the car rose as I continued on the route I had so carefully mapped out for us. I had planned a blessing for my car mates, but they worried about the unknown. It was a lesser highway, but it was still a state highway, so I knew we would be fine. I was excited about the blessing I was delivering them to, they were concerned I was leading them astray.

   We drove south for a while and then east up into a mountain range. The roads got narrower and the speeds lesser, but we were astounded by the mountain meadows and landscape. Not only that but there was very little traffic which was just a bonus.

   There were some concerns this was going to be a wasted trip only adding to our miles in the car for the day. Then, suddenly out of nowhere, I turned on a bend in the road and we were face-to-face with a gigantic quartz mountain decorated with glaciers. It was a glorious sight to behold. We pulled over and did the tourist thing taking lots of pictures and oohing and awing.

   It was a struggle to get my car mates to agree to this route and once they saw what I knew was coming all tensions were gone. I had succeeded in leading them to a promised land and they were grateful once there. Still today they mention it was one of their favorite parts of the whole trip. That is saying a lot as we also when through Yellowstone on our way home and saw many beauties of nature and history along our journey.

   There are times when we, like Moses, are on a path we do not know where it leads nor do we know what lies around the next corner. We do not know if we ought to stand still or move. We battle fear of the unknown and struggle to find the faith to continue forward. Yet, when we remember all the Lord had carried us through thus far, we begin to trust Him for more and more. We begin to rest in Him with each step forward and with each time He says to stand still.

   Whatever you are walking through right now, know there is an end in sight. Know God has not lost sight of you and all you need to do is seek Him for each step. Sometimes you will hold your position, other times you will make great strides. Understand every trial is an opportunity to be a witness and to grow in Christ. When your world is met by chaos one thing remains true. He is always there for you (Matthew 28:20). Remain in Him (John 15:4).

   Remember the promises and all the times He has delivered you in the past. When Moses and the Israelites were backed up against the Red Sea, they could look at the Egyptian army and believe God delivered them to this place to fail them or they could remember how He just delivered them with plunder from Egypt. In recalling the events in Egypt, they could muster enough faith to trust Him and to look once more for His deliverance.

   Moses’ song which follows the Red Sea crossing says, “Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces” (Exodus 15:6). They had been taught to keep the Passover just before their exodus from Egypt and they were taught the feast was for remembrance. They were to remember, “By strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage” (Exodus 13:14). Every deliverance adds a testimony of remembrance to draw on for faith in times of need.

   Once we got through our hesitation over the first scenic route, the conversation changed from discouragement and fear to anticipation and excitement for our next adventure. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could change our attitude in trials from trepidation to anticipation? What if we became so accustomed to God’s deliverance that we met every trial with anticipation of adventure looking to see how God’s hand will come to our rescue and His glory yet once more?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)