There’s Mercy in the Move- Sermon Blog
I’m so glad to be with you today. Honestly, after the past few weeks of some challenging series, I think this message is going to bring you some rest. You know, life can get so busy, and we often find ourselves in a cycle of trying to keep everything together. But today, I want to give you a little pause. I want to remind you that God is good, and He’s with you in every step of your journey.
Before we dive into God’s Word, let me share a story that I think many of you can relate to—moving. Who here has ever moved? I know I’m not alone in this. I’ve learned something important through moving recently, and I think it can teach us a lot about life and faith.
The Struggles of Moving: A Life Lesson
You see, my wife and I recently moved from Bentonville to Pea Ridge, and let me tell you—it was an experience. Now, some of you might love the process of moving, but for me, it’s a bit much. I remember thinking, “I can totally do this myself,” but after a couple of days, I was like, “Why didn’t I hire movers?!”
When I think about moving, I’m reminded of the Israelites in the Bible. They went through a similar experience—only their move was way bigger than mine. They were leaving Egypt, a place where they had lived for 400 years, transitioning from slavery to freedom. And just like my move, it wasn’t a straight path.
God led them on a journey that wasn’t direct. In fact, God led them on a “roundabout” way to the Promised Land. In Exodus 13, God didn’t take them the shortest route, even though that was what they were expecting. Instead, He took them through the wilderness. Why? Because He knew they weren’t ready for what lay ahead. The people of Israel were not an army—they were builders, not warriors. They needed time to grow, heal, and prepare.
Trusting God’s Process in the Midst of Uncertainty
I’ve got to be honest with you—I struggle with this. When God tells me to go in a direction, I often want the shortcut. I’ve got my plan all laid out in my head, and I think I know how to get there. But the truth is, I don’t always see the bigger picture like God does. He sees the obstacles ahead that I can't see, and He’s protecting me from those.
I want you to hear this: Sometimes, the way to get to where God is taking you isn't a straight line. It’s a roundabout way. It’s a process, and it’s okay. We don’t like the waiting, the struggles, or the unexpected detours. But God’s path for your life is best. His way will take you places you could never imagine on your own, and He’s with you every step of the way.
Understanding the “Roundabout” in Your Life
We often get frustrated because we want things to happen fast. But I’ve learned that God sometimes uses the long way to help us grow. The Israelites were not soldiers. They weren’t ready for battle. So, God took them in a roundabout way, avoiding a confrontation with the Philistines. He was preparing them, even if they didn’t understand it at the time.
How many of us can relate? When we’re in the middle of a situation, it feels like we should be farther along or things should be easier. But in God’s mercy, He’s not taking us on the fastest route. He’s taking us on the safest, most beneficial route. He’s making sure we’re prepared for what’s coming.
And just like the Israelites, when God leads us on a path that feels like it’s taking longer than we thought, we can trust that His way is always best. Even when it doesn’t make sense, we can trust His provision.
God is With You: Your Guide in the Journey
In Exodus 13:21-22, we read that God guided the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He didn’t leave them to figure it out on their own. He was right there, leading them every step of the way.
The beautiful thing is, God is still guiding us today. If you’re walking through a season of uncertainty or struggle, take heart. God is right there with you, guiding you, just like He guided the Israelites. You are not alone. And He’s leading you toward something far better than you can imagine.
A Front-Row Seat to God’s Deliverance
In our lives, there are times when we find ourselves in front of our enemies. We face struggles, opposition, and hardship. But here’s the powerful thing: God will prepare a table for us in the presence of our enemies (Psalm 23:5). He’s not just watching us suffer; He’s setting up a front-row seat to witness His victory over everything trying to destroy us.
It may not feel like it right now, but God is positioning you for a breakthrough. He’s working in ways you don’t yet see. The enemy may seem strong, but God is already setting up your victory. And when you look back on it, you’ll realize that He’s been with you the entire time.
Trusting God’s Faithfulness
As I reflect on my own journey of moving, I’m reminded of how faithful God has been in every season. When I couldn’t see the way, He made a way. When I didn’t know how to provide, He provided. And in every struggle, He was with me, guiding me and helping me through.
The same is true for you. No matter what you’re facing today—whether it’s a season of transition, difficulty, or uncertainty—God is with you. His faithfulness is never in question. As the song says, “Great is Thy faithfulness, morning by morning, new mercies I see.”
Conclusion
In closing, I want to encourage you: if you’re walking through a tough season, remember that you’re not alone. Trust God’s process, even if it’s not the straight line you imagined. He’s got a plan for your life, and He’s with you every step of the way. No matter how long the journey seems, or how many obstacles you face, trust that God is leading you to something far better than you can imagine.
