"And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt" (Exodus 13:17)

The Israelites had just been delivered from the hand of Pharaoh, the relentless ruler whose heart was hardened toward them. God had a plan for His people , a plan that would take time – His time!

God visibly led the children of Israel in their journey with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He could easily have led them to their destination in a very short time; however, they would not have been prepared for the battle that awaited them. The children of Israel, during their time of captivity, had been laborers not warriors! Their spirits were broken because of life's circumstances while in captivity, much like we were!

It amazes me to think that God, when we were delivered from bondage by the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, could have led us directly to the fulfillment of His promises to us! But He knew we wouldn't be ready for the giants we would encounter without a time of learning and growing and building up of our faith . . . without a time in the wilderness!

God knows our frame and He understands our weaknesses. As He leads us away from our former captivity, God portions His peoples' trials according to their strength, not allowing them to face more than what He has enabled and equipped them to face. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

While the children of Israel went about their journey out of bondage into the Promised Land for forty long years, it was a time of testing and preparation for the giants they would encounter when they arrived.

God is preparing us one day at a time to face the giants found in our tomorrows. We need not worry about not being able to deal with what our future may bring for God has proven Himself faithful time and time and time again. Just as He brought the children of Israel out of bondage and planned their journey for His purposes in strengthening them and preparing them for what was to come, so has the Lord brought you and me out of bondage having planned our journey through this life for His purpose. Sometimes His plans involve battles and warfare and difficulties we'd rather not face, but rest assured that every enemy we encounter along the way will only prove to strengthen us and prepare us for the Promised Land.

Take a moment and thank the Lord for His abundant love for you, a love that causes Him to lead us every moment of every day and night. He has a plan that will prepare you for what tomorrow brings while He gives you the strength to walk through today. In other words, He's got you covered.

Lord, You amaze me! Thank You for loving me enough to purchase my freedom from the "captor" and to lead me through this life's journey to my destiny. Father, thank You—it's obvious that You've got me covered. By the blood of Jesus and in His name I pray, amen and amen!

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." (Lamentations 3:22-24)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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