Walking Through Your Wilderness

Exodus 13:17-18 (NLT)

When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.

Jeremiah 29:5-7 (NLT)

"Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare."

Point 1 Elevation Requires Preparation

God prepared the Israelites for the promised land

Deliverance from Egypt: God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through miraculous acts and signs, including the Ten Plagues. This act of deliverance demonstrated God's power and faithfulness to the Israelites.

Provision in the wilderness: During their journey from Egypt to the promised land, God provided for the Israelites' physical needs by providing manna, quail, and water in the wilderness. This provision demonstrated God's care and provision for His people even in difficult circumstances.

Giving of the Law: God gave the Israelites the law, including the Ten Commandments and other statutes, to guide and instruct them in righteous living. The law was meant to set them apart as a holy nation and prepare them for life in the promised land.

Training and discipline: Throughout their time in the wilderness, God also trained and disciplined the Israelites, teaching them to trust in Him, obey His commands, and rely on His strength. This training was meant to prepare them for the challenges they would face in entering and conquering the promised land.

God prepared the Israelites for the promised land through deliverance, provision, guidance, training, and discipline, all of which were intended to shape them into people who would trust, obey, and honor Him as they entered the land He had promised to give them.

Point 2 Elevation Requires Relocation

In Exodus 13:17-18, God led the Israelites out of Egypt and towards the Promised Land by way of the desert instead of the shorter route through Philistine territory. This was because God knew that the Israelites were not yet ready for battle and might become discouraged if they faced conflict too soon. By leading them the longer way, God was able to protect and guide them, providing for their needs and preparing them for the challenges they would face upon entering the Promised Land.

In Jeremiah 29:5-7, the Israelites are in exile in Babylon, and God instructs them to settle down, build houses, and seek the welfare of the city they are in. By encouraging the exiles to seek the prosperity of the city and to be good neighbors, God was preparing them to thrive in their new circumstances and to contribute positively to the society in which they found themselves.

In both cases, God's actions were motivated by His desire to elevate His people and prepare them for greater things. By leading them on a longer route in the desert and instructing them to settle down and seek the welfare of their new city, God was teaching the Israelites important lessons about trust, obedience, perseverance, and community-building. These experiences were meant to shape and elevate the Israelites spiritually, emotionally, and socially, so that they could fulfill their calling and purpose as God's chosen people.

Point 3 Elevation Requires Determination

In Exodus 13:17-18, the Israelites were led on a longer route through the desert to avoid immediate conflict and to prepare them for the battles they would face in conquering the Promised Land. Despite the difficult circumstances and uncertainties they faced, the Israelites had to trust in God's guidance and provision and remain determined to follow Him faithfully. Their determination to continue on the journey, even when the way seemed long and difficult, ultimately led them to the fulfillment of God's promise and the elevation to the Promised Land.

In Jeremiah 29:5-7, the exiled Israelites in Babylon were instructed to settle down, build houses, and seek the welfare of the city in which they found themselves. This required determination and perseverance to thrive in a foreign land and make the most of their situation. By being determined to seek the peace and prosperity of the city, the exiles could elevate themselves and contribute positively to their community, even in exile.

Point 1 Elevation Requires Preparation

Point 2 Elevation Requires Relocation

Point 3 Elevation Requires Determination