God's Way Is Best!

​When measuring distance, there is an old phrase that says, "As the crow flies." Called "the crow road" in Scotland, this describes the most direct route, traveling in a straight, direct line. It is the shortest distance between two points, but usually the traveled road is not "as the crow flies."

When the children of Israel left Egypt, the shortest and most direct way to the Promised Land was only a few days journey by a well-traveled caravan route. However, God did NOT lead them by this way. Why? Because it led through "the land of the Philistines." The Philistines were a strong, warring people, and God knew the Israelites were not ready for that. It would have greatly discouraged them from pressing on to the Promised Land. 

How many times do we wonder why our path in life cannot be easier or shorter? We feel as if we are going around in circles, taking the long way, making unnecessary detours. Could it be that God sees some "Philistines" ahead we are not ready to face? "As the crow flies" might be the quickest but not the best route for us. Lord, remind us of this story of the children of Israel when we are wondering why things are not going as we think they should. It very well might be Your hand preventing future, unnecessary discouragement. 

God's way is best, I will not murmur,
Although the end I may not see;
Where'er He leads I'll meekly follow,
God's way is best, is best for me.
— C. W. Naylor