As for God, his way is perfect; The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.  Psalm 18:30 NIV

“Daddy, is this the sneaky peaky way?” Gabe likes short cuts.  Truthfully, I do too.  

At Gabe’s age, I was a control freak.  If I thought the car ride was too long, I would ask, “Daddy, did you take the long cut or the short cut?”

To my frustration, my Dad would chuckle at the question then answer, “The long cut.”  Since my Pop controlled the car and not me, I had to trust him and go along for the ride.  However, every time Daddy took the long cut, there was a purpose.  Dad wanted to show me sights that I couldn’t have witnessed if he used any other route.

God takes long cuts, too.  Today’s verse tells us that His way is perfect.  Despite how much it may frustrate, pain, or scare us, God’s route breaks the bonds of slavery, shows us His glory, and builds our belief.

Look at what Moses wrote 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.”

God purposely led them on the long cut!

He knew that if they faced adversity immediately after being led out of Egypt, they would turn back.  In context, turning back equaled slavery.

Jesus took long cuts, too.  In the story of Lazarus, the Bible says that although Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus, He waited two days before going to them.   After the wait, Jesus confused the disciples further.  Not only did He return late, but He also returned under the threat of being stoned by the Jews in Judea.   (John 11:5-8 NIV).  

The sisters were upset that He didn’t come sooner.  Despite the fear, confusion, and pain of loss the people experienced, Jesus knew what they needed more… to BELIEVE.

Jesus prayed,

Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me. John 11:41-42 NIV.  

With that, Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb and all of those there witnessed God’s glory!  

Those who saw believed.

Has God taken you the long way before?  What bondage were you being led out of?  How did you see His glory?  How did it strengthen your belief?

Recount God’s perfect way and compare it to the way you initially thought was best.  Use it as encouragement the next time God calls you on new adventure of faith.  Use it the next time you are tempted to turn back.

Lord, Your ways are higher than our ways.  You are all seeing and all knowing.  Your perfect way is the Way, Jesus.  Lead us all through the long, hot fire that forges us into looking exactly like Jesus.  In Jesus’ Perfect, Holy Name, Amen.

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