“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road to the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearby; for God said, ‘The people will change their minds and return to Egypt if they face war.’ So he led the people around toward the Red Sea along the road of the wilderness.” – Exodus 13:17-18

After I had my first seizure that broke both my shoulders, it took a very long time to actually be diagnosed with epilepsy (1 in 26 people will have at least one seizure in their lifetime, but not all are diagnosed with epilepsy). After I was diagnosed, I went through countless medication changes. Then came more testing and another major seizure that broke five vertebrae in my back. Then the very scary discussion of brain surgery options. Finally, after almost a decade of struggles, I was told about a special diet that may help. This simple diet has been incredibly successful in treating my epilepsy. I often ask God, “Why the long road? Why couldn’t I have been told about this earlier? Why all the medication, testing, pain, and suffering?”

I was recently reading back through the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and saw something I hadn’t noticed before. God led them down the long road, through the wilderness, in order to save them from something else. The short path led to a war that God knew they were not ready for. The long path, though difficult, was what they needed in order to be drawn closer to God and saved from a fight. God’s people are often refined in the wilderness. Sometimes the long road saves us from the dangers of the shorter route. I often still get frustrated that I had to go through all the trials before the simple answer was given to me. But now I trust God that the long road was actually much safer than the dangers that awaited me on the shorter path.

Almighty God, You are the Good Shepherd. Teach us to trust You on whatever path You decide to lead us. Thank You for keeping us safe and walking with us every step of the way.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon