The Round About Way

While we are always in a hurry to get from Point A to Point B, God seldom seems to operate with such urgency.  There can be no doubt that God wanted to get Abraham to Canaan, but He most assuredly did not take the direct route.  Back when  Abraham was known as Abram and back when he was living under his father's roof, the Word says about Terah, Abram's father, and his extended family, "they went out from Ur...to go into the land of Canaan; but when they came to Haran, they settled there." (Genesis 11:31)  While in Ur with his father, Abram heard the Lord telling him to go from where he was to the land to be shown him.  This time Abram set out for Canaan and settled there.

 

However, hardly had he got his tent pitched when a famine forced him to go to Eqypt where there was hope of food.  After some shenanigans with Pharaoh, Abram was sent from the land of refuge a much richer man.  Verse 12 of Genesis says, "Abram settled in the land of Canaan."  He finally arrived at his destination, but it was indeed a round about way of getting there.  And, as we look at the story, it becomes obvious that God was doing the leading which makes us wonder why He chose the longer route that brought delay and doubt to Abram.

 

What was true then and what remains true now is the reality that God often takes us from Point A to Point B by way of Point C, or Point Z.  Never think that the leading of God can be plotted on a straight line.  The Scripture is clear that God can be counted on to move us from where we are to where He wants us to be, but never does it happen according to what we deem to be the most expedient way.  With God it is truly true that He seems more concerned about the journey than the arrival.  To go with God does not require a road map.  Only faith is needed for the journey.