Exodus 13:17  When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near.  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.  And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.

The people were equipped for battle but they weren’t ready for battle and God knew.  There are times in our lives when it may seem like we are ready for what God has called us to but He knows that if He puts us in the middle of the battle too soon we may turn back from our calling.  There are times it takes a ‘Red Sea Miracle’ and some time alone with God in the wilderness, watching Him meet our every need and working smaller miracles in our lives before we are ready for all that He has called us to even if it is our ‘Promised land’.

God knows you better than you know yourself so if He seems to be taking you on a detour for a bit, trust Him,  He wants to show you how He can and will provide and care for you through all He has called you to.  God knows what you are ready for and He knows what it will take to help you succeed.  Being in the ‘wilderness’ isn’t always a bad experience, sometimes it is just a time for watching God work and provide.  Believe me, Bill and I have known for 5 years that there is more to all that we are called to do and yet we have been in ‘boot camp’ and we know we are close but obviously there are a few more things God is teaching us and working on in our lives.  It is difficult to not get antsy but God’s timing is always best and He knows what we need to experience to be the most effective in all that we do for Him.

God is good and He is always watching out for you.  He knows what lies ahead and what you are ready for.  It is always best to trust His leading and His timing.  He will bring it to pass and if you do it His way and in His time you will be successful.  Don’t get impatient, look for what He is trying to show you.  Are you fully trusting in Him in all that you do?  Are you spending the time you need to spend with Him to truly get to know Him?  God is working on your behalf to prepare you for all that you are called to do.  He has already equipped you but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few more things you need to experience or learn before you are ready to march into all that He has called you to.

Quote:  “I am grateful for all of my problems.  After each one was overcome, I became stronger and more able to meet those that were still to come.  I grew in all my difficulties.”  J.C. Penney