Exodus 13:17 “Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, ‘The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.’”

NOT READY YET

God decided to protect the people leaving Egypt by sparing them from having to fight and battle as they left their bondage.  He knew they would have plenty of fighting ahead.  So, He decided to give them a reprieve from war.

Interestingly enough, the first battle they faced was at the Red Sea when the Egyptian army was upon them.  They feared for their lives.  But they didn’t have to lift one finger.  God destroyed the advancing army in the waters of the sea.  Not one Jewish soul was lost, not one sheep or cow, nothing!

TEACHING MOMENT

When our children are younger we fight their battles for them.  We defend them.  We protect them.  But as they grow older, they have to learn to fight for themselves.  They have to learn to rely on the strength of the Lord, rather than the wrath of mom or dad.  Why?

If we do not prepare our children to fight their battles, with the Lord, they will never achieve the purposes God has for their lives.  Hard times build faith.  Battles help us learn wisdom.  We have the responsibility to teach them how to stand up for truth and righteousness.  Otherwise, they will be led astray by that friend or professor who seeks to lure them away from the Lord.

How are you doing in your battles?  Are you relying on someone else besides the Lord?  Are you trying to do it in your own strength?  Let the Lord be your pillar of fire by night and pillar of clouds by day.  He stands ready to defend you, but He will ask you to be a part of the fight.  Put on your armor today and report for duty, soldier of the Cross!