Exodus 13:17-18 KJV
And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.
When God led the Children of Israel out of Egypt into the promised land, the Bible says the land of the Philistines was a shorter route, but God chose to bring them on the longer route through the wilderness because they could have turned back to Egypt at the sight of war. In other words, God saw that they weren’t ready to face their enemies, the Philistines which were in the promised land.
Many times we want God’s promises to be fulfilled in our lives quickly but the truth is we are not ready for the responsibilities or spiritual battles that come with them. For example, maybe you are waiting on God’s promise to get married. Women, are you ready to submit to a husband the way you would submit to Christ (Ephesians 5:22)? Men, are you prepared to love a wife the way Jesus loves His church (Ephesians 5:25)? Do you understand what that entails? Maybe you are waiting for Jesus to use you in ministry on a bigger scale. Do you have the character that it takes to lead (Titus 2:7-9)? Are you prepared to handle the spiritual warfare that will come with higher levels of serving Christ?
Instead of being dissatisfied in the season of waiting, use that time to seek Jesus more deeply. We will only mature by spending consistent time with Christ and obeying what He tells us to do. In spending time with The Lord, He will fully prepare us for what He has called us to do.
