Sketchy Lent: The Exodus
Part two of the wilderness visual devotional before Easter
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. (Exodus 13:17-18, ESV)
God guides us to, and through The Wilderness
The Israelites had just experienced a miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. You'd think God would lead them on the quickest, easiest route to the Promised Land. Instead, He guided them through the wilderness. Why? Because God knew that the direct path would lead to war, and the Israelites weren't ready for that challenge yet.
Sometimes, the wilderness is exactly where we need to be. It's a place where we learn to depend on God, to trust in His provision and guidance. The wilderness may be uncomfortable, but it's often the path that leads to the greatest growth and transformation.
How can we learn to trust God's guidance, even when the path seems long and difficult?
The season of Lent is a time to remember that God is with us in the wilderness. It's an opportunity to surrender our own plans and desires and to follow God's leading, even when it doesn't make sense to us. As we journey through this season, let's ask God to give us the faith and courage to trust in His guidance, knowing that He is always leading us toward His best for our lives.
Reflections
Can you think of a time when God led you on a path you didn't expect? How did you experience His presence and provision during that time?
Are there any areas of your life where you're struggling to trust God's guidance right now? Take a moment to surrender those areas to Him and ask for His wisdom and direction.
What steps can you take to grow in trusting God's leading as we approach Easter?
Prayer
Father, thank you for being our guide and our provider. Forgive us for the times we've tried to chart our own course instead of trusting in Your wisdom. Help us to embrace the wilderness seasons of life and see how You use them to shape us and strengthen us. Give us the courage to follow where You lead, even when the path seems unclear. We trust in Your perfect plan for our lives.
Amen