The Roundabout Way

May 15, 2017
The Roundabout Way

Daily Reading
Exodus 13:17-22
Psalm 102:1-17
This week’s sermon text: James 4:1-12

Field Notes

When God liberated the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt he led them into a new land where they could put down roots and establish a new home. But he didn’t take them there immediately. Our reading for today says in v. 18 that he led them by “the roundabout way of the wilderness.”

Why would God do that? Why add years of travel to an already-weary people? The Bible says that God was protecting them from facing the Philistines. “If the people face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt” (v. 17). God knew what they could and could not handle, so he guided them in the way that was best for them.

Our lives are like that, too. Circumstances may seem to push us off our chosen path and force us into a wilderness of uncertainty and frustration. The good news is that God is with us even in the “roundabout ways” of life, and can turn these detours into times of growth and learning.

Questions for the Field

• Has God ever taken you the “roundabout way” in your life in order to guide you toward a better future?

Family Field Talk

• Next time you’re in the car with your family, ask your parents to take you a “roundabout way” home. What new things did you notice? Were there any fun surprises along the way? Thank God that He is guiding us all the time in our lives, even when it seems like a roundabout way.

Prayer Guide
Lord, we trust that you are guiding us on our life’s path. Please help us to keep our eyes and ears open to what you’re teaching us as we journey along. Amen.