Sometimes when I use the map app to find my way somewhere it will ask me if i want the fastest route there or the most fuel efficient route. Most of the time I want the fastest route to where I’m going. When I’m on vacation, I’ve been known to take the scenic route in order to see things the fastest route misses. When driving through several states, I took a route that sent us through as many state capitals as possible so my son could check them off his list. Some days though, my schedule sends me on what I call the star route. I go from one side of town to an appointment, then across town to pick up something from the warehouse. Then I have to cross town again to drop it off at a job site. I then drive another way across town to pick up my son from school and back home. All that zigzagging looks like a star on the map. I’ve found that different routes yield different results.
Moses’ life had some strange routes to it. The very first route had him going down the Nile in a basket. He landed at the Pharaoh’s daughter’s house. He grew up privileged and educated. His route took a left turn into the desert suddenly where he was an humble shepherd. God parked him there for forty years before his route took him to Sinai where he encountered the burning bush. That led him back to Egypt to free the Israelites. His route had him confront Pharaoh, which was hard. The route then led he and all of Israel to a dead end at the Red Sea where they were trapped until God showed up. They traveled through the sea to Sinai again and back into the desert for forty years before coming to the edge of the Promised Land. At each place along his route, God was in control and giving him what he needed for the future God had for him. In the moment, I’m sure he often felt lost and would’ve taken a different route had he been in charge.
Proverbs 20:24 says, ”It is the Lord who directs your life, for each step you take is ordained by God to bring you closer to your destiny. So much of your life, then, remains a mystery!“ (TPT) Are you wondering what route you’re on right now and why is God taking this one? Me too, but I know He is in control. He doesn’t always take the fastest route or the easiest route. He takes the route that prepares you for your destiny. He takes the route that you didn’t know was there. Sometimes it’s painful and dark. Other times the route may feel like a dead end. I’ve found that God will use whatever route is necessary to get you where He’s taking you while equipping you along the way. Your route is ordered of the Lord, especially when it’s a mystery. Hang on and let Him keep driving. He has plans for your life and they’re good plans to prosper you. Trust in Him as He leads and directs your life. That is the best route.
Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 