Fundamentals of Faith

Midweek Devotional: The Long Way Isn’t the Wrong Way

Scripture:
“So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea…”
—Exodus 13:18

    Have you ever found yourself in a season where everything just seems… slow?

• Your prayers feel unanswered.
• Your plans feel delayed.
• And you start wondering if you’ve somehow gotten off track.

     In Exodus 13, God leads His newly freed people away from the shortest, fastest path to the Promised Land. He sends them on the long, winding desert road. Not because He’s cruel—but because He’s kind.
They weren’t ready for what the fast road would bring.
He knew what they didn’t.
And He stayed with them every step of the way.
Pause doesn’t mean punishment.
Delay doesn’t mean denial.
Sometimes, the long way is exactly where God forms faith, builds trust, and prepares us for what’s ahead.

Midweek Reflection Questions:

• Where in your life does it feel like God has hit pause?
• What might God be forming in you during this slower season?
• How have you seen His presence—cloud by day, fire by night—even when things aren’t moving?

Prayer:
Lord, help me trust Your pace when mine doesn’t match.
Give me peace in the pause, faith on the long road,
and eyes to see that You are still with me.
Amen.