Could you describe a situation you are in as a ‘waiting period’?
Not every delay is a denial; sometimes it’s direction we need to trust.
“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.” 20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.” (Exodus 13 v 17-22)
God didn’t choose the short way. His wisdom is always greater than ours. The shortest route would mean war with the Philistines, and His freed ones were not yet an army.
There are times in your life when things take a long time, and the only explanation is that you or ‘they’ are not ready yet.
The longer way isn’t always punishment; sometimes it’s protection. So, if you are waiting for something to happen, trust that God sees the whole terrain of possibilities, and though you cannot see the reason now, the longer route is the right way.
Two more things: Joseph died without seeing the Promised Land; it is possible to die with faith, believing in something not yet seen. Secondly, notice who is leading this generation out of Egypt. It isn’t Moses; it is the God of Joseph. Our constant God spanning the generations, the same yesterday, today and forever.
Missions Paul 