And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation (Psalm 107:7).

 

When God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, He didn’t lead them through the way of the Philistines, although it was the shorter route to the Promised Land. The Bible says God avoided that path because He knew the people hadn’t been trained for war and therefore would flee in fear when the enemy confronted them. They were slaves in Egypt, untrained and unprepared for battle.

 

As a result, the Lord led them through the longer way of the wilderness by the Red Sea, where they witnessed His signs and wonders and experienced His provision. Through this journey, God revealed Himself to them as Jehovah Rapha, their physician, and Jehovah Rohi, their shepherd. When they eventually faced battles, they called Him Jehovah Nissi, their banner who gives them victory.

 

This progression shows that God prepares and trains His people, building their faith and confidence in Him before they confront greater challenges. You might find yourself wondering why certain things are happening in your life. Perhaps you’ve been born again for several years, and yet some situations seem inexplicable despite your prayers. Relax and trust His process. Declare, “I am learning and growing." Glory to God!

 

I remember holding my first crusade at the age of fifteen. Before the crusade, I went from house to house, in street evangelism, sharing the Gospel wherever I could. I preached during workers’ break times, in schools to little kids, and to people my own age. Not everyone listened, but that didn’t matter. Jesus said to preach, and I obeyed.

 

Though I saw good results then, they didn’t compare to what we experience today because I needed to grow. Back then, God didn’t bring together twenty thousand people for me to preach to at once because I wasn’t ready. Reaching such a number required a lot more, and I had to grow into that capacity.

 

We often want things to move fast, don’t we? That’s why we create faster vehicles and computers. But God is the Ancient of Days. He works according to His divine patterns, timing and purpose, preparing us for what lies ahead.