“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt” (Exodus 13:17).

There were two ways from Egypt to Canaan. One was a short cut from the north of Egypt to the south of Canaan, perhaps about four or five days’ journey; the other was much further about, through the wilderness, and that was the way in which God chose to lead his people Israel…(Matthew Henry).

A four or five day trip took forty years. While the Israelites might have been tempted to think that God had all but forgotten them, He was there in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.  He never left them.

Do you ever wonder if God has forgotten you? Has He led you on the long way, through a harsh desert? Can you feel the heat? Is your throat parched? Does the monotony and sameness of this bitterly dry place make you weary? As you walk along, can you remember His promises? Can you feel His provision?

Do you ever let yourself wonder, How did I get here?

Remember Israel’s four to five day trip that seemed to go on forever? In hindsight, we can see that there were many reasons why God led Israel through the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea,  Here are just a few:

• The Egyptians were drowned in the Red Sea.
• The Hebrews were humbled (this took a really long time!)
• The children of Jacob came to depend on God the Father for everything
• Abraham’s offspring learned who they were to God and who God was to them
• Pharaoh’s slaves found that freedom lies in obedience to God

If you are “stuck” in a place that feels harsh and dry, stop for a minute and list the things that God has done for you in the desert and is still doing now. We serve a powerful, purposeful God and you, who love Him, are under His care.

Because Jesus has power over sin and death…because in Him all things hold together…because He has already completed the work that God planned for Him (Romans 8:1; Col 1:17; John 17:4), everything will be ok.

Here are 3 Things to Remember When You’re Feeling Lost:

1. Our sin is not greater than His sacrifice. 
2. No matter how foolishly we have conducted our lives, His wisdom is at work.
3. We are not powerful enough to derail His plans for us.

Jesus is our Oasis. He is God’s provision for us as we travel in the dessert. He is the Bread of Life, the Living Water, and the Way to the Promised Land.