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: Led by Moses, the people of Israel marched out of Egypt after having served as enslaved people for so many years. God had fulfilled his promise of liberating them and was again headed to fulfil the other side of the commitment to take them to Canaan. Ahead of them 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. The rational decision was, therefore, to have gone by the shortest route, but God did not allow this to take place. He, instead, led them through the Red Sea route. He foresaw that the wars in the land of the Philistines would easily cause them to abandon the journey. There is always a reason why God will lead us on a particular path. This may not be contrary to what we desire, but yet remains the best fit for us. In the end, we will see His glory and get to understand why. Like the people of Israel, God knows what is best for you. Allow Him to lead you all the time!

Prayer: Lord, I submit to your choices for my life. Indeed you know what is best for me.

Confession: God knows what is best for me.