The children of Israel had been in bondage in Egypt for 400 years when God led them out. In Exodus 13:17-22, we see how God did not just lead them out of Egypt, but also showed them step by step the way to the Promised Land. This shows the faithfulness of God. But will the children of Israel follow God’s way? If God chooses a longer path for us, will we still trust in His leading? There are 3 things we are to focus on as God leads us through life’s journey:

1. Trust always in God’s Plan (Exod 13:17-18): The word “led” in verses 17 and 18 refers to taking to a certain place, and the arrival is certain. It is not just guiding from a distance. In His leading His children to the Promised Land, God did not take the shorter route, i.e. through the land of the Philistines. He brought them via another route, a longer one. The reason is given in verse 17: “Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.”

Sometimes, God may lead us in a way that may not seem very logical to us. But we must trust that God knows best, and that He has a plan, eg: Moses whom God sent to the wilderness for 40 years to humble him as a shepherd before calling him to lead His children out of Egypt. We must always follow God’s plan and will. One way to evaluate if it is God’s will is to evaluate it in light of God’s Word.

2. Remember God’s Promises (Exod 13:19): When Joseph instructed that his bones be brought back to the Promised Land, it was his testimony that God would fulfill His promise. Moses took the bones of Joseph with them when they left Egypt. This is a memorial of Joseph’s faith in God’s promises (Heb 11:22). We too can have memorials of God’s promises through our life’s experiences. God’s promises are also found in Proverbs 22:6, Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 3:5-6, etc. All these promises will continue to lead us one step at a time.

3. Draw Near to God’s Presence (Exod 13:21-22): The pillar of cloud by day and fire by night is a miraculous sight. It protected them by day (Exod 14:24) and provided heat and light by night. The pillar would also lead the way. It was also a manifestation of God’s presence and His glory (Exod 40:3, 34, 36, 38). Jesus promises that He will be with us all the way to the end of the world. He sent us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to indwell us, and to fill us as we serve Him. His presence will be our comfort. We must not do anything without His presence.

Believers must always remember to trust, remember His promises and draw near to God’s presence. Only then can we walk in God’s way.