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.”

- Exodus 3:17

The Lord knows our weaknesses. He knows where his people are feeble. He knows all of our flat-sides.

In today’s passage, we see the Lord’s knowledge of the Israelites’ weakness put to compassionate use. He didn’t lead them into temptation. He led them along an indirect route for their own good.

The Lord often leads us by indirect routes for our own good. He knows we don’t always have the strength to take the direct route.

In our careers, our relationships, our spiritual lives … many of us have seasons when we feel as though God just has us wandering. We admit that we get annoyed at God’s indirect routes. We fixate on the destination. We hurry and rush. Why are we taking the long way around? But the whole time the Lord in his wisdom leads us.

Where had God led you by indirect routes in your walk with him? What sort of fruit did that bear in your life? What temptation do you think he protected you from by leading you along an indirect way?