Daily EncouragementSample

God frequently takes his people the long way round. It is just as true of the spiritual pilgrimage of Christians today as it was of the literal journey of the Israelites. One is reminded of the proverb, “The longest way round is the shortest way home.”

Nowhere is the truth of this more apparent than in the lives of outstanding men of God. Joseph’s progress towards his ultimate place of authority was anything but short. Moses moved to the responsibility of leadership via a lengthy period of “the far side of the desert.” “And so we went to Rome” (Acts 28:14) is Luke’s comment on the closing stage of his journey with Paul to the imperial city, but they did not reach it by the shortest route. If we look back on our own lives - on the progress of our sanctification or on our experience of service - we see the same principle at work.

The reasons for God’s dealing with us in this manner are to be found in his loving wisdom. He knows the circumstances which would be too much for his children. They are wise if they recognise his gracious method. Doing so will result in peace in the midst of his otherwise mysterious dealings, patience in the face of delays and perseverance in the weariness of the way.