God's Protection Is Not Punishment

What is your greatest disappointment? Maybe you have a long list of letdowns. Maybe you feel like your life has been a series of disappointments with a few uneventful victories sprinkled in here and there. Maybe you have a dream you feel God has called you to but He is taking you the long way around and up and over instead of straight through. What I want you to know is He is not punishing you. What we see as punishment is often God’s protection. In Exodus 13, we see God lead the Israelites in a “roundabout” way out of the wilderness to protect them.“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.’ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.” Exodus 13:17-18God knew exactly what it would take to get His people ready for battle. He knew their hearts and minds and He knows yours. He has a purpose for every path He takes us down. Nothing is wasted with our God. You greatest disappointment might be exactly what you need to prepare you for the battle. Keep following God in every roundabout way He takes you, letting your faith grow every step of the way.