April 25, 2023

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.” Exodus 13:17

The most direct route to the Land of Promise would likely have sent God’s newly rescued people running straight back to the ‘arms’ of Egypt, for it would have seemed to them better than facing the Philistines. In your own life, you may feel like an escape from one bad habit or situation takes you directly into another. But that is the very time to raise your gaze to the Savior. If, in your heart, you are sincerely willing to be conformed to His will, you will begin to traverse the path of His choosing. Without exception, this is the only safe route. But you must keep your eyes on Him and your focus upward to guard against losing your way.

Most of us will readily agree that we do not like confrontation of any kind. But do we realize how our enemy exploits this trait for his evil purposes? Fear of some sort of push-back effectively silences so many of us from witnessing of the Savior to others. But we must understand that He endured—for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2)—the very worst that Satan could inflict in order to complete His divine mission. And in the process, many of His opposers became His allies! A mere observation of His nature has converted many enemies into friends of God.

Jesus knows, and clearly teaches, that all who truly follow Him will meet with opposition. Beloved, we must commit to exercise our freedom to lead others out of bondage. Do I understand that such a path is more than worth it, even if I lose my life? Such times are just ahead. I must pray: “Dear Lord, please allow Your nature to be lived out in me. May the words that I speak to others be Your words.”

Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.” Jeremiah 1:9

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 16:25 (see also 10:39, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24)