Led in a roundabout way - All The Word for Today Daily Devotionals for 2026

‘Therefore God led the people around by way of the wilderness to the Red Sea.’ Exodus 13:18 NASB20

The Bible says, ‘Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” Therefore God led the people around by way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and the sons of Israel went up in battle formation from the land of Egypt.’ (Exodus 13:17-18 NASB20). There is a lesson here for you. God knows where you are on your spiritual journey, and He is directing you accordingly, even when it seems like a roundabout way. ‘The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives’ (Psalm 37:23 NLT).

The shortest route from Egypt to the promised land was through enemy territory, and God knew His people were not ready for battle. ‘God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” Therefore God led the people around by way of the wilderness …’ Getting God’s people out of Egypt proved to be the easy part; getting Egypt out of God’s people proved to be the hard part. After forty generations of depending on Pharaoh, they needed to know God, learn His ways, and trust Him. So, He arranged their journey accordingly.

Are you having a wilderness experience at the moment? Be encouraged. The fulfilment of what God promised you may be taking longer than you thought, but it’s not time wasted. And God is not punishing you; He is training you for your destiny. What should you do? 1) Spend time with Him in prayer and His Word. 2) Lean less on yourself and more on God. 3) Draw on His grace and follow His guidance.

SoulFood: 1 Kings 17:1-6 1 Kings 18:16-39 1 Kings 19:9-18 2 Kings 2:1-12