The Lord leads his people
Exodus 13:17-20
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road to the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearby; for God said, “The people will change their minds and return to Egypt if they face war.” 18 So he led the people around toward the Red Sea along the road of the wilderness. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt in battle formation.
19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, because Joseph had made the Israeli2es swear a solemn oath, saying, “God will certainly come to your aid; then you must take my bones with you from this place.
”20 They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. 21 The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people.
1. God has a plan for his people – so we can trust him.
2. God is leading his people – so we are able to follow him.
God has a plan for his people – so we can trust him.
God had a purpose and a reason for the long way around.
Whatever road God takes us down is the best one.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.”
Sometimes God’s purpose in the long/difficult journey is so that we would turn to him and seek him.
Romans 8:28-29
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Sometimes God’s purpose in the long/difficult journey to grow us, develop us, and prepare us for what is to come.
If we believe that God has a plan and purpose then we can trust him.
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
God is leading his people – so we are able to follow him.
The Lord always goes before us.
Psalm 23:3-4
He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
The Lord never abandons us.
Matthew 28:20
And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
The Lord leads the way for us.
Deuteronomy 13:4
You must follow the Lord your God and fear him. You must keep his commands and listen to him; you must worship him and remain faithful to him.
Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Will you follow him wherever he leads?