By Way of the Wilderness

The Lord is an unpredictable Shepherd. As I was reading Exodus 13, the account of Israel’s great escape from their oppressor, Egypt, I was struck by verse 17, “when Pharaoh let the people go, 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.” Then verse 18 continues “So God led the people around by way of the wilderness.”

God knows the quickest way to our destination but at times, He opts not to guide us in the obvious way. At times, it is by way of the wilderness. Uncomfortable, unpredictable, unfamiliar, even inconvenient but undeniably, for our ultimate good. Our All-Knowing Father is aware of all things. He always sees what is ahead. He knows our own capacity to face approaching trials of varying degrees. He measures our preparedness. He knows our breaking point and promises to never allow challenges that are beyond our ability to bear.   

During one of our early morning walks, my husband and I were on the right side of the street; he was to my left. He moved to the middle of the road and instructed me to go to his left side. I refused to go explaining that I did not want to walk facing approaching vehicles. Valid excuse. The obvious way. Then he said, “I want to protect you. There is a group of men huddled up ahead on that side of the street. Sumunod ka na lang. (Just follow.)” Locked on the obvious, I did not see the group of men. Realizing his concern for me, I immediately followed, regretting my initial hesitation.

How natural it is for me to be locked on the obvious--- to lean on my own understanding or on popular, common sense. How easy it is at times to think that I know better! Many perceptions I have accepted as my own, comfortable and familiar beliefs that have directed my choices, pose as strongholds that keep me from heeding faith’s call.  As I read the bible and meet faithful men, I have learned to accept that faith is not common sense. From Peter who walked on water, to a teen-ager named David who struck down a giant; from Abraham, who rose early to sacrifice his only son, to Jesus who purposely delayed in saving “the one He loved” from death. Their actions are all unexplainable, and yet they were necessary to fulfill divine purposes.

Today, there are countless stories of nameless faithful men and women who have acted “senselessly” but in obedience. From a locker room lady who gives her entire savings to build a church and postpones building her own home to a loving couple that adopts without hesitation, a baby boy left in a basket; from a farmer that plants potatoes during a drought to a grieving man visiting and forgiving the murderer of his brother in prison. And more! Each one is necessary to fulfill God’s purpose.

I need to repent from my thinking that it is always wise to choose the most convenient or sensible option. God is unlike me and has His own way of fulfilling His purpose at times, by the way of the wilderness. I can feel so vulnerable in the wilderness but this is when I feel His sufficiency the most. I can either succumb to fear or by grace, choose faith.  Believe that He, who guides me there, has divine reasons for directing me and I can trust Him to lead me out.

I cannot imagine the countless times our Shepherd has spared us from imminent danger and harm by taking me through the wilderness. For this I am truly thankful.  I pray that as He leads us, we follow, trusting Him for safe travel. May He grant us refreshing stops, assure that we are on course and our destination is totally secure.