Scripture Reading: Exodus 13:17
And it came to pass when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

Reflections: God honoured his word regarding the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian servitude. Following their liberation by Moses, they formed a procession from Egypt in the direction of Canaan, the land promised to them. There were two routes to Canaan. One option was to go through the land of the Philistines. This was the shortest. The other was to go through the desert towards the Red Sea. This was the longest. While it would have been logical to choose the shortest route, this outcome was prevented by God. Conversely, He steered them along the Red Sea route due to his anticipation that the conflicts in the land of the Philistines would readily dissuade them from continuing their voyage. Consistently, God guides us along a specific path for a reason; while it may deviate from our desires, it remains the most suitable course of action for us.

Prayer: Lord, I submit to your choices for my life.

Confession: God knows what is best for me.