Alternate Routes

Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, "the people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt."  (Exodus 13:17)

   While on a trip, have you ever decided to take a shortcut, only to find yourself lost?  I was travelling on old highway 66 through Oklahoma City and made a wrong turn ending up in Wickenburg, Arizona.  It took me a full day's driving to get back north to our original Hwy. 66 route.

   The children of Israel took an alternatre route only to come face to face with the Red Sea in front and the Egyiptian army behind.  Alternate routes may look attractive but can often have unexpected consequences. 

   Satan tried the alternate route tactic with Jesus in the wilderness, but the Lord simply replied, "It is written."  This reveals to me that nothing short of doing God's will guarantees that I will arrive safely at my destination. 

   Many times in the past, I tried to convince God that my way was best, only to fail.  God has the road map of your life and mine all planned out, and it is our responsiblity to seek his help in finding it.  The writer of Hebrews said, "And make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed."  (Hebrews 12:13 NASV). 

   God wants us to stay on the main line and not turn off onto alterante routes.  You will find no short cuts to a mature spiritual life.  Alternate routes will not get you there.  God has a prsescribed plan to achieve a mature life.  This plan is revealed in the Word of God. Only as we read and study God's word regularly can we hope to stay on the right path.  Maturity takes time.  As the old saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day."

Thought for the Day: Staying on the main line will get you to your destination quicker.