If given the choice, no one, in their right mind, would choose the harder paths through life. Dodging bullets such as pain, grief, sadness, despair, and depression is what everyone wants to be able to do. Unfortunately this isn't the case for anyone. Exodus chapters 1 to 15 is a story about some of the struggles of God's people as they fall under the harsh authority of the Egyptian Pharaoh. At first (or second or third in my case) glance, it seems that the trials that the Israelites are put through are based on human choice. The Pharaoh's choice to be specific. But as I read through these chapters today, God pointed out to me that this wasn't so. All throughout these chapters, it specifically says that God hardened Pharaoh's heart. God even warns Moses before any of this happens that He was going to cause Pharaoh to stand firm. So one has to take a moment and ask: Why does God allow hard things to happen in one's life? I found the answer a few chapters later in Exodus 13: 17&18.
"It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn't lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, which was the shortest route, for God though, 'If the people encounter war, they will change their minds and go back to Egypt.' So God led the people on the wilderness road, looping around to the Red Sea..." (The Message)
As seen in this passage, God wasn't looking out for their immediate comfort and wants. Instead, He was looking ahead into the Israelites future. He picked the best route that would keep them close to Him. So often in life, I tend to ask God why He places me in certain situations. As I look back though, I am able to see in many of those situations the good that came out of dark and hard moments. Back in those specific times I may not have understood God's plan but now I am able to realize that it was in those moments that I have had the most spiritual growth! So whenever God places me in a tough situation, I try and remember this. Though I am on the road less travelled, I trust that God will never give me more than I can handle and that He knows what is best for me and for the big picture of my life.
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