Not a day goes by when our plans aren't changed by circumstances beyond our control. Natural disasters, house or car problems, unexpected illness, traffic jams, someone running a red light and ramming us, a friend or neighbor with an emergency need, unforseen time demands at work...and the list goes on and on. The question is, "can we trust that God is in those unforseen delays, diversions and distractions?"
A rarely-read single verse is in Exodus 13:17, "then it came to pass, when Pharoah had let the people go, that God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, 'lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt."
This verse tells us how God led the newly-freed Hebrew nation into the Sinai Desert instead of around the southeast "corner" of the Mediterranean Sea into the Promise Land. WHY? Well, so the Hebrews wouldn't encounter the Philistines who inhabited the region, be attacked, go to war face death and opposition AND then decide to head back to the safety of Egypt. The Hebrews, you remember, did what they were known to do quite often. They, murmurred...the grumbled and complained about the Sinai sand, the heat and the desert obstacle. Yet, they were alive. If they had met the Philistines, there, probably, would have been war and many of them slaughtered.
So, my friend, the next time your path or directioon is changed unexpectedly, TRUST GOD. Put your faith and belief in the one who not only sees tomorrow but is already there. Trust that God is in it and that the change will always work for your good. (Romans 8:28) God said it would "work for our good", He didn't say that it would be painless.
TRUST!
adapted from David Jeremiah - "Turning Points"
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Leonard
Leonard NavarreValley View Christian Church
