QT 3/10/2026 Exo 13:17-22, Giving up the reins

Exodus 13:17–22 (ESV) —

17 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.” 18 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. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.” 20 And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

 

NOTE: God is clearly leading his people, a pillar of  cloud in the day and a pillar of fire by night. And yet, the route is not as one would expect. Instead of getting out of Egypt as quickly as possible, God turns right and leads them along a wilderness region.

 

I think this is applicable to us. For some, God's leading in our life does not seem right, and maybe haphazard. Most likely, we are actually leading and God is course-correcting, and so the whole thing is this contest, whether we admit it or not. But, we could be yielded and it still does not seem right or what we might desire, maybe like Israel, as it will appear that they are lost in the next story. If we are truly yielded to God, and not pretending (while all the time secretly introducing our own will), God's way can seem discouraging and futile. Looking back, there were things that did not happen as I wished at the time, but in retrospect, I have no regrets -- God's way was better. The only thing that got bruised was my pride.

 

PONDER:

1. Are we fighting God or following God?
2. How can I tell who is really in charge of my direction in life?

 

PRAYER: Lord, sometimes it is hard to tell what is happening based on the circumstances. But I know if I ask you to search my heart, you will reveal to me who has the reins. Lord, I want you to have the reins because no matter how touch life will be, it will be better in your will and not in my will.