The Scenic Route
Three years ago in the fall, our family took a road trip to see the Grand Canyon. Stops were planned along the way due to the 24 hours it would take to reach our destination and that was just one way. I opted for fun, kitschy spots in the different states we would pass through, to add excitement to our journey.
We discovered the world’s largest fork in Springfield, MO, toured an old mansion in Oklahoma City, OK, spray painted cars at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX and soaked in the culture of The Plaza with its shops and beautiful churches in Santa Fe, NM.
In-between stops, we marveled at the beautiful landscape. Rolling sand dunes in the desert, large plateaus across the planes and the rise of the majestic Rocky Mountains against the horizon.
The wonder of the Grand Canyon did not disappoint once we finally arrived in Arizona. Sunrise and sunset just hit different on those rock walls, as my kids would say. The brilliance of it all was breathtaking and almost overwhelming.
We decided to head back home northward, so we could enjoy the southern portion of Colorado and snuggle down in a little place called Pagosa Springs. With the San Juan river running right through the middle of town and local merchant shops lined along the main drag, I’m pretty sure the Hallmark Movie Channel would feel right at home.
Could we have flown and gotten to our desired landmark sooner? Of course, but we would have missed all the amazing activities, the incredible creation that is our United States and the tarantula migration southward out of Colorado as they sought warmer weather before the harsh, cold winter months arrived. (Sorry, no pictures of that, as I was totally freaked out!)
Sometimes the scenic route is worth the wait.
“When Pharaoh let the people go, God led them not by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer,” (Exodus 13:17a)
Most people are familiar with the story of Moses and the plagues that were used to punish the stubborn, Egyptian King who refused to allow the nation to leave so they could worship at God’s holy mountain. It took ten different calamities to change his mind, with the last being the death of firstborns, which included his own son. Exodus chapter 12 recounts the moment Pharaoh finally agreed to release them.
They emerged, after 430 years of bondage, to freedom; the sting of the task master’s whip still fresh on their minds. The Lord, Himself would direct their path, in the form of a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. As the first tribes began to make their way out of Goshen, the excitement electrified the air. God had finally heard their cry.
We learn; however, in chapter 13 verse 17, the Lord planned to direct His people the long way around to the Red Sea. After over 400 years of slavery, why would God delay their passage to Mount Sinai? Didn’t the Lord understand the weariness of His children?
“for God said, “Lest the people change their purpose when they see war and return to Egypt.” (Exodus 13:17b)
You will have seasons in your life where it appears God has lead you to the wrong exit, down back alleys and through areas so foreign, even GPS stays confused. Keep in mind, the One Who created all, sees all. The Israelites journey from Egypt took the scenic route because the wisdom of God is unmatched. Why do we argue or grow frustrated with someone Who is omniscient?
Did you catch the underlined word in the second part of verse 17? War. The shortest path to the holy mountain was by way of cutting through the land of the Philistines. If you are familiar with the Old Testament at all, you will know and remember this nation becomes an ongoing thorn in Israel’s side. Many battles will be found against the Philistines, but those would be for days to come.
I have heard, people who are incarcerated for long periods of time become institutionalized and struggle to adapt into normal society once released from prison. It makes complete sense. When someone is telling you when to get up, eat, use the bathroom, shower, sleep and any other daily function; you forget how to handle certain essential mental tasks on your own.
God knew if He tried to take the Israelites on the quickest road, they would face war, but they were not ready. The Lord’s people needed time to recover from years of mental, physical and psychological trauma, an ugly battle was the last thing they needed. We know from the passage, they would have doubted their exit from the land they were captive to for so long, wishing to even return. “Lest the people change their purpose when they see war and return to Egypt.”
It’s easy to complain when it is taking longer than expected to get to a certain destination on this journey of life, both spiritually and physically. We are ready to charge ahead, but encounter roadblocks on all sides, our green lights turn red and time after time we are forced to take a detour.
Before we grow in agitation wondering why things in our lives are dragging on at a snail’s pace, what if we stopped and took comfort in the thought that maybe God is sparing us from a war we are not ready to fight. Instead of frustration, pray and ask God what you should be learning while you are waiting.
If you do much flying, chances are there will come a time when the plane is delayed, cannot land and must assume a holding pattern in the sky. This is not because the pilot is just trying to play games with passengers to make them late for appointments. It is because there is a danger they detect that would prevent them from getting the plane safely on the ground. Our Father is doing no less.
Just as the Israelites could not foresee the danger that loomed before them on the shorter path to their destination, our vision is limited in our step by step journey we call life. Trust Him with all the trip planning, after all, you don’t know what He is trying to hide you from. He is seeking to develop us into warriors who will not shrink back when the first signs of battle break out.
The “Sunday drive” is the perfect opportunity for Him to grow us, shape us and prepare us for what lies ahead. Allow the long way home to strengthen your faith and give you the time needed to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus. Don’t rush the process. We have a multitude of troubles in this world, I promise you, the war will come.
Sometimes the scenic route is worth the wait.