TO THE BIBLE - Exodus 13:17 NKJV
“Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by 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.”

LET’S TALK
Life with God is a journey of divine order. Just as a wise builder doesn’t lay the roof before the foundation, so the Lord doesn’t thrust His children into seasons they’re not prepared for. In His love, He guides each step, ensuring that every phase equips us for greater glory.

When Israel came out of Egypt, the Lord deliberately avoided the shorter route through Philistine territory. Though quicker, it wasn’t safer. They were fresh out of slavery—untrained for war and unready for confrontation. So He led them through the wilderness, where they encountered His provision and guidance. Through this journey, God revealed Himself to them as Jehovah Rapha, their physician, and Jehovah Rohi, their shepherd. When they eventually faced battles, they called Him Jehovah Nissi, their banner who gives them victory.

This is how God works with us. At times, the path may seem longer, but it is the path of preparation. Through it, He strengthens your faith, enlarges your vision, and equips you for greater victories. I recall my first crusade at just fifteen years old. Before then, I preached house to house, on the streets, and in schools—even during workers’ lunch breaks. The results were beautiful but small compared to what God is doing with me today. Back then, He didn’t give me twenty thousand souls to minister to at once because I wasn’t yet ready for that magnitude. Growth was necessary.

We often want things to move fast, don’t we? Faster phones, faster computers. But God doesn’t work according to man’s timing. He works according to His divine patterns, timing and purpose, and when He brings you to that place, you’ll discover that every step was necessary.

Go Deeper
Psalm 37:23; Deuteronomy 8:2

Pray
Dear Father, thank you for leading me in the way I should go and preparing me for the life of victory and excellence you’ve ordained for me. I trust in your divine wisdom and timing as I grow in competence and capacity to fulfil your purpose for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Matthew 13:24-43, Genesis 44-45

TWO YEAR
Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 19

Act
Excitedly thank the Lord for where He has brought you to and where He’s leading you.