A wise and unfathomable path

A wise path

God's way is a wise way. He knows exactly what each of us is like. He knows what fears and worries we have. He knows what He can and cannot expect of us. He is the only wise God who guides us in the way that is best for us. The following example makes this very clear:

When the people of Israel left Egypt, there were various possibilities as to which path they should take. God, in His wisdom, chose exactly the right path for them. In Genesis 13 it’s stated:

"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, ‘Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.’ But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea." (Ex. 13:17, 18).

God doesn’t always lead us to the goal the fastest way. Why not? Because we would stumble on it. Instead, He guides us the best way to reach the destination safely. Psalm 78:72 says, "He guided them with his skillful hand."

When we let ourselves be guided by God and walk on His path, we have experiences that we wouldn’t have had if we had taken an apparent shortcut.

Unfathomable paths

This was also the case with the people of Israel. God led them along a path that, humanly speaking, was a dead end. Suddenly they stood before the shore of the Red Sea. They had mountains to the right and mountains to the left. Behind them was Pharaoh with his soldiers, and they were coming closer and closer.

At that moment, the Israelites no longer understood the world. Why had God led them this way, of all the ways possible? It made no sense at all from a human point of view. Everything seemed completely lost.

Such thoughts can also arise in us from time to time. Maybe you're at a dead end and wondering what to do next. You no longer understand God. You no longer understand His way. You no longer understand His actions.

Then I can tell you: You’re in good company. Because that's what’s happened to many before you. And that's what's happening to many believers right now during these unusual times we’re living in.

But you know, we don't always have to understand God. For He Himself says in His Word: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways" (Is. 55:9).

It’s important that we take hold in faith the fact that God knows our path - even when we may be overwhelmed by circumstances and no longer know how to proceed.

David experienced this and said: "When my spirit faints within me, you know my way!" (Ps. 142:4).

This comforted him - and this awareness should also comfort us!

Elisabeth Elliot once said very aptly: "I don't need to know the way. I only need to trust the guide."

At the same time, God's ways are sometimes simply unfathomable. Asaph described it as follows: "Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen." (Ps. 77:20).

Unexpectedly, an accident happens. Unexpectedly, an illness comes. Unexpectedly, someone dies. Unexpectedly, we experience a great disappointment. God allows these things to happen. And maybe there’s no answer to the question "Why?”

Nevertheless, what is written in Deuteronomy 32:4 remains true at all times: "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice" (Deut. 32:4).

There is an interesting book called: "Nonetheless, God makes no mistake." And this book is about a brother in Christ who suffered a lot in Russia because of his faith. He went through very difficult times. But he realized God`s way is perfect even when it leads us through suffering and hardship.

Asaph says in Psalm 77, verse 14: "Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?" (Ps. 77:14).

God's way begins by God, and it also ends back in God’s presence. It originates from His wisdom and love, and it leads to a good goal.

This is true even if it leads through great waters at times, where the tracks aren’t clear, and we don’t understand the way.

But it’s imperative that we hold fast: God is exalted in His wisdom. He makes no mistakes! That’s why Asaph later says: "What god is great like our God?"

God sees our path from the perspective of eternity - and that exceeds our horizon.

Paul once put it this way: “How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Rom. 11:33).

J.P.S.

Article series: God has a way for you