In Exodus 13:17 it says that when the people of Israel came out of Egypt, “God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near …”. God does not always take us in what seems to us as the most “direct” or “logical” route. He often has His own ways which Isaiah 55:9 says are higher than ours. SO … when you are looking for your next steps, be sure to seek God’s leadership. He may not take you in what others would call the most “natural” direction!

But we should also understand that His “different” routes for us are not without reason. Exodus 13:7 goes on to state the REASON why God did not send His people in the direct route: “For God said, ‘The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.'” So God’s indirect route was not without reason; He had a purpose for it. And it is that way with His directions for us as well. If God has you take an unusual route, there is a Divine reason for it. You may or may not know in advance what that reason is — but you can trust that He has a purpose for you taking something other than the expected course!