How can we trust God's timing in our own life journeys? Setting the Scene in Judges 11:16 “ For when they came up from Egypt, Israel traveled through the wilderness to the Red Sea and came to Kadesh.” Why This Moment Matters • The verse recalls Israel’s long, seemingly circuitous route after the Exodus—an intentional detour orchestrated by God. • Every mile of wilderness travel served a divine purpose: shaping the nation’s faith, purifying motives, and positioning them for future victories. • Jephthah cites this history to prove that God’s hand had been guiding His people all along, even when the journey felt delayed. Lessons on Trusting God’s Timing • Detours are deliberate. Israel’s path to Kadesh was not wasted motion; it was strategic preparation (Exodus 13:17-18). • God oversees both the clock and the compass. His schedule always aligns with His promises. • Remembered faithfulness fuels present trust. If God flawlessly timed past events, He can be relied on for today’s unknowns. Supporting Snapshots from Scripture • Deuteronomy 2:7—“The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands… these forty years the LORD your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing.” • Psalm 37:5—“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” • Galatians 4:4—“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son…” God’s redemptive plan moved at a precise moment. • Romans 8:28—“And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him…” His timing is woven into that “all things.” • 2 Peter 3:9—“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… but is patient toward you.” Apparent delay often equals merciful preparation. Practical Takeaways for Today • Keep a record of God’s past provisions; reviewing it strengthens confidence during current waiting seasons. • Align decisions with Scripture, not with impatience. Israel’s forward movement always followed God’s Word through Moses. • Cultivate daily obedience. Small, faithful steps in the wilderness prepare you for open-door moments. • Recognize that unseen work is still real work. God often develops character before revealing destinations. Encouragement for the Journey Trust grows as you look back and see the flawless rhythm of God’s past interventions. Like Israel at Kadesh, you may stand at a waypoint rather than the finish line, but the same Lord who directed every twist of their route is guiding yours—on schedule, for your good, and for His glory. |
    |