When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”

Exodus 13:17

For centuries the Israelites served as slaves in Egypt, until the Lord finally delivered them. He did not, however, take them to the Promised Land by the most direct route. Why make the trip more difficult by adding miles to what must have been a challenging journey? Because the shortest route passed through Philistine lands, and God knew that if the people encountered an army along the way, “they might change their minds and return to Egypt” (v. 17).

You might think this sounds ridiculous. Would the people actually go back to something so unfruitful as slavery in Egypt just because of potential conflict? Wouldn’t they trust that the God who brought them to that point would be faithful to protect them?

I’m sad to say that I completely understand God’s fear that the people would prefer the secure suffering of Egypt to the unknown of God’s promise. I have seen this sort of thing happen dozens of times in churches. For example, a church I knew felt called to reach out to their community in a new way. Church leaders spent months studying Scripture, discussing, seeking the Lord in prayer. They finally chose to lead their church in a new direction so as to reach out to their neighbors. Most of the congregation responded positively to this new initiative. But, predictably, some were negative, criticizing the leaders for messing around with “our church.” In response to this criticism, the leaders lost heart. They reversed ground and returned to where they had been before.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Have you ever experienced something like what I’ve just described in your church? What about in your personal life? Have you ever stepped out in faith, only to retreat when you faced unexpected challenges? 

PRAYER: O Lord, your wisdom is seen so clearly in this story. But not just your wisdom. I also see the sad truth about human nature. How easily we lose heart when we face conflict and challenge. How readily we return to what is safe, even if we know that safety is far less than what you would have for us.

Forgive me, Lord, for all the times I have done this in my life. Forgive me for letting fear control my decisions, rather than faith.

In my personal life, help me, Lord, to trust you even and especially in difficult times. May I continue to press forward in faith, confident that you will prevail.

Help me also, dear Lord, as I seek to lead others, in my work, in my family, and in my church. May I lead with confidence, trusting you all the way. Amen.