“Rerouting…” You’ve probably all heard this ping through the airwaves in your car because in the day and age we live in, most of us have access to navigation technology. It’s quite something, isn’t it? It is smart. Fast. Efficient. All the qualities I appreciate in my crazy fast-paced life.

On a personal note, when it comes to having a sense of direction, I have none. I’m not even kidding. It’s true. I am quintessentially directionally challenged. So when this technology became a reality, I was ecstatic. And I use it all…the…time.

Spiritually speaking, we have our own internal navigation system that helps direct our lives. One that directs our steps, our decisions, and ultimately our destinations. And it is given to us by way of God’s spirit within us.

In order to hear and heed God’s direction for our lives, we must be tuned to His voice. Even so, sometimes we get off course. We miss a turn, or an opportunity because we are focused on the wrong things. We could be operating in sin. Or perhaps, we could have turned our back on faith altogether.

The result is the same—disconnection. And when we find ourselves disconnected, we will inevitably be rerouted.

On a practical note, the beauty of the satellite navigation systems is that although it is designed to route us the fastest way, it can see things we can’t. And when it determines obstacles or bottlenecks or accidents that will interrupt our journey, it reroutes us.

In similar fashion, God sees things we can’t see. This is not technology, it is supernatural. Omniscient. Our ever-present help. He knows things we don’t know. And reroutes us accordingly. This divine navigation system is a blessing.

A good example of God rerouting His people is found in Exodus 13:17; When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”

This passage in scripture is a picture of God’s ability to see into the future and in His wisdom and mercy provided a better way by rerouting them. The plan all along was to direct them to the Promise Land of Canaan. A land flowing with milk and honey. A land they had prayed to inhabit. A place far removed from Egypt which was their land of slavery.

God had heard their cry and prayer for help and provided a way out setting them on a freedom journey.

By all measurements, the shortest and easiest route for the Israelites was along the coast through Philistine country. However, God, in His wisdom, knew that they had the capacity to choose to return to Egypt, the land of slavery if they faced war with the Philistines. Not because they desired to return, but because they were not prepared for war physically, spiritually, or mentally.

They had lived in slavery for decades and their tolerance for war was very low. God knew this. He also knew that the wilderness had the potential to teach them, strengthen them, and shape them into a people fit not only for the journey but for inhabiting the Promised Land.

It wasn’t the fastest way. But it was the better way!

Like being rerouted by your navigation device, God often takes us down the road less traveled. When this happens, we find ourselves in foreign territory, off the beaten path where the landscape looks and feels lonely, awkward, and wrong. Regardless, God often uses the unexpected journey to prepare you for where you are going.

In this scenario, we tend to question if we are truly on the right road. Questioning technology and even questioning God in these situations is not wrong, it is human nature and we bring to the table our experience that tells us to “abort”, “jump ship”, “turn around and go back”.

However, when we hold steady and exercise our faith, we discover it was right all along. We arrive at our intended destination stronger and more equipped to live the life God has called us to live.

So today, when you find yourself on a journey that seems longer, harder, or lonelier, trust in the Divine to navigate through territory unfit for you. He knows what is best. Trust Him. Follow His lead. And thank Him for His direction.

Reflect and Respond:

Wherever you find yourself on the journey of life, I’d like to challenge you to reboot your system this week. Confess sin that needs to be exposed. Forgive yourself and others for offenses that are holding you hostage. Bend your knee to obedience and tithe. Find a verse that speaks life to a dead place in your heart and memorize it. These things will clear the way to hear the voice and direction of the Divine. You may get rerouted, but trust with all assurance, it most definitely will be the better way!

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed as you walk the road less traveled.