Which Way Is God Leading?
Greg Gilliam – PastorGrace Christian AssemblyIndependence, Missouri
“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, ‘Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.’ But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 13:17–18).
There are moments in life when we arrive at a crossroads—a place where important decisions must be made that will shape our future, whether in our careers, relationships, or spiritual walk. In these pivotal times, Scripture teaches us not to rely on our own understanding but to seek God’s direction. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
The children of Israel experienced such a crossroads. In Numbers 20:14–22, Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom, requesting passage through his land—a shorter and easier route—but permission was denied. Instead, they were led the longer way around by the Red Sea. Frustrated, the people spoke against God and Moses, questioning why they had been brought out of Egypt only to face hardship in the wilderness.
This account teaches us the importance of following the leading of the Spirit, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. God’s direction may not always align with human logic or what appears easiest, but His way leads to His best for our lives. Often, the flesh urges us toward the path that seems simpler or more convenient, tempting us to rely on our own strength and leave God out of the equation.
Yet Scripture reminds us that the flesh and the Spirit are in conflict. No matter our age or how long we have walked with the Lord, this struggle remains. If we walk according to the flesh, we become consumed with temporary, carnal things. But as Paul instructs in Galatians 5:16, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Choosing to follow the Spirit—even when the path is longer or harder—keeps us aligned with God’s purpose and leads us exactly where He intends for us to be.
