Accepting the Scenic Route

Read: Deuteronomy 8:2-5; 29:2-6 “Where are we going, Grandma?” Daisy asked. Grandma opened the gate separating her backyard from the woods behind it. “A place you’ll enjoy,” she replied with a smile. As they walked through the woods, Daisy noticed little chipmunks scurrying up tree trunks, making her giggle. When the wind whistled through the piney limbs, Daisy clung closer to Grandma. “Are you sure you know where we’re going?” Daisy asked. “Do you trust me?” Grandma replied, squeezing Daisy’s hand. Daisy nodded. “It’s just a little further,” said Grandma. The edge of the woods opened onto a farm where sheep and cattle grazed on the grassy hills. A lamb bumbled over and put his hooves against the wooden fence. “My friend owns this farm,” Grandma said. “I thought you would love seeing the animals.” Daisy let the lamb tickle her fingers with his nose. “He’s so cute!” she said. “But why didn’t we just drive here? The path through the woods took forever!” Grandma leaned against the fence. “Do you think there were any benefits to taking the scenic path?” Daisy scrunched up her nose. “Well, we got to spend more time together.” Grandma nodded. “I love spending time with you. What else?” “The forest was more interesting than the main road,” Daisy added. “Oh! And I had to trust that you knew where we were going.” “That’s right,” Grandma said. “Do you remember in the Bible when God led the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years before bringing them to the Promised Land?” “I remember,” Daisy said. “Didn’t God know a faster route?” “Yes, but God wanted them to learn to rely on Him,” Grandma said. “Instead of trusting God, the Israelites complained and disobeyed Him, which is why God kept them in the wilderness for so long. And through their waiting, they got to experience more miracles, such as God sending them food from heaven and keeping their clothes and sandals from wearing out.” “It’s hard for me to wait on God sometimes,” Daisy said. “I know,” Grandma said. “But He’s helping you learn to rely on Him too. As you follow Jesus along the path He has for you, keep your eyes open for the ways He shows you His love and grace on your journey.” –Hannah Chung How about you? Are you waiting for something right now? Do you wonder if God is in control when things don’t happen when you want them to? Remember that God’s timing is perfect, even when you don’t understand it. Look for ways Jesus is showing you His love and grace through waiting periods and trust Him to use scenic routes to help you grow in your faith. Today’s key verse: In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (NIV) Today’s key thought: God’s path is best