The Long Way Out of Bondage

We have all heard stories of people who seemed to have been delivered in an instant from their bondage, the idols and desires of their hearts. We all wish that was us. But it isn't. Can God deliver in an instant? Absolutely! Does God deliver in an instant? Absolutely! Does God ALWAYS deliver in an instant? No.

Sometimes God leads us the long way out of bondage for our own good. What? How can that be? That doesn't sound right.

Exodus 13:17-18 "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..."

The advancing chariots blocked their way back to Egypt but that did not stop them from wanting to go back. Exodus 14:10-12 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness. After crossing the Red Sea - it blocked their way back to Egypt.

Whichever way God chooses to lead you out of bondage is the most excellent way for you. It may be, and is likely to be, different than the way He delivered your sister, mother, brother, friend or the person that gave testimony in church Sunday. God knows those things that will cause you to "change your mind and return to Egypt."

Will you trust Him today? Will you trust that His path of deliverance for you is perfect, even if it is the long way out of bondage?

Stop waiting for instant deliverance (disobeying in the process) and start walking the daily path the Lord has given you out of His wisdom, His foreknowledge and His steadfast love for you.

Love,
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.