In the Wilderness: Exodus 13

The Israelites begin their journey to the Red Sea in Exodus 13. (Click on the link to read the Scripture.)

For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.

Exodus 13:17-18

God knew His people. He knew they would have the urge to return to Egypt when the going got tough. He knew them better than they knew themselves. Not only did God protect the slaves from the Egyptians, but He protected them from themselves. His intention for them was freedom, and He knew He had to put a literal sea between the Israelites and Egyptians to keep them from returning to bondage.

But the people didn't get it. They prayed and begged for freedom. I'm sure they thought they could take whatever hardship came in return for a life with no task masters, no brick making, no Pharaoh. They thought they could handle it. Pride always does. And pride must always come to an end if we want to have a full relationship with God, a full and complete freedom.

God's intention for us is the same as the Israelites. He intends to set us free, and the road out of bondage might just look like wilderness to us. We too have the propensity to return to what we know even if the road leads us right back to slavery.

Consider the places in your life that look like a wilderness. Places you wonder what in the world is God doing. It might just be the way to freedom, a freedom so complete you will never turn back.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36

Father God, keep my heart open to Your leading, root out pride in my life,

and bless me with faith to trust You in the wilderness ways.

I want to experience true freedom in You.