I imagine there’s been a time when you have your plans and how you think things should work out, but God gives you a nudge to do it another way, and you’re like, “Wait… did I hear You right, God? You want me to do what?”
“But that’s impossible.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Why can’t I do it this way?”
Turns out you’re (we’re) in good company.
In Exodus, when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was the shortest route. Scripture tells us this was because God knew the people would change their minds when they saw war and return to Egypt—the very place He was freeing them from.
Instead, God led them through the wilderness to the Red Sea.
As I’ve listened to my pastors preach through Exodus and read it myself, I’ve had so many “aha” moments. How often do I want the short way and question the path God is taking me on? How often do I try to return to what God is freeing me from?
Do you relate to the people God rescued? I do. How many times do I question the way He does things?
It’s like flipping through the script of my life, turning the page and asking, “But why?” Then another page—“But why?”—only to realize 30 pages later, “Oh… that’s why.” As if God doesn’t know what He’s doing.
You probably can’t relate. I’m sure it’s just me, right?
I can hear the people questioning Moses: “What are you doing? Why are you taking us the long way?” (backseat drivers)
The people couldn’t understand why Moses led them through the wilderness when they could have gone straight to their destination. And then, to make it worse, he leads them right up to the Red Sea.
Cue the wide eyes.
“Is this guy insane? What is he thinking? Now we’re stuck. If I were leading, I could have done better.” More back seat drivers.
Then Pharaoh changes his mind and comes charging after them with chariots. Then the people panic, yelling at Moses, saying it would have been better to stay and serve the Egyptians than die in the wilderness.
But Moses said,
“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord… The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
I can almost hear them mumbling under their breath. (I know—you’ve never done that. Neither have I.)
Moses questions the situation too, and God’s response is essentially, “Why are you questioning this? Tell the people to move forward.” God tells Moses to lift his staff, stretch out his hand over the sea, and He will divide it.
Can you imagine what Moses was thinking? “Okay God… and if this doesn’t work, we’re all dead.”
But Moses obeyed. He stretched out his hand, and the Lord parted the sea. The Israelites walked through on dry ground, with walls of water on both sides.
I picture it like walking between two massive fish tanks—seeing the creatures of the sea and thinking, any second this could all come crashing down.
Meanwhile, God confused the Egyptians, disabled their chariots, and once the Israelites were safely across, the waters closed in. The chariots were covered. No one survived.
But the Israelites walked through untouched.
My pastor pointed out that this was a true crisis of faith. They had the option to move forward or go back, Do we trust Moses? Do we trust God? Would their faith conquer the situation, or would the situation conquer their faith?
God led them the long way on purpose. “His detours are providential delays, not permanent denials.” (Pastor Phil Hopper) He knew they would tuck and run if He took them the shorter route.
Because it’s in Red Sea moments that God prepares us for the battle.
This story hits home for me. When God put it on my heart to open my own business and get off disability, I thought He was crazy. I could only picture losing everything—maybe even ending up homeless.
But I didn’t.
Was it hard? Absolutely. Was it step-by-step faith? Yes. Looking back, I see that the long way is what grew my faith. Every step mattered—from the right clients showing up at the right time to unexpected provision along the way, and so much in between. 
Here’s my question for you: What has been your Red Sea moment—or what is it right now? What’s your crisis of faith? Will you trust God to lead you forward, or return to what He’s been trying to deliver you from?
Jesus promises we will have trouble, but He has overcome the world. If you know Him, your hope is in Him—not in this world.
As my Pastor Phil Hopper said, “Following Jesus isn’t just a commitment; it’s a crucifixion. And when you can’t change your situation, let your situation change you.”
I hope this song blesses you today. The main chorus: “Take me down the long way if that’s where I’m meant to be. Take me down the back roads God, you know what’s best for me. You’re with me every moment, even the ones I wouldn’t choose. Take me down the long way if the long way leads to you.” by Natalie Layne
How do I remember these great tidbits God laid on my heart during sermons? I take notes! Have you seen my sermon notes journals yet? Grab one to help you hold onto those great nuggets God shares with you each Sunday too.
© 2026 All Rights Reserved. Susan M. Clabaugh with Encouragement in Daily Living LLC
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Capture the words that move your heart, the verses that speak to your soul, and the prayers that shape your week—all in one beautiful journal designed to deepen your walk with God.
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Women’s 52-Week Sermon Notes Journal: Record Sermons, Scriptures & Reflections to Deepen Your Faith
Capture the words that move your heart, the verses that speak to your soul, and the prayers that shape your week—all in one beautiful journal designed to deepen your walk with God.
Feel inspired after church—but forget the message by Monday? The 52-Week Sermon Notes Journal helps you hold onto every truth that touches your heart. With guided pages for sermon details, key Scriptures, reflections, and personal prayers, this elegant faith journal turns listening into lasting growth. Perfect for Sunday services, Bible studies, or devotion time, it invites you to record, reflect, and respond to God’s Word each week. Thoughtfully designed with a soft matte cover and organized layout, it’s a meaningful tool for deepening your faith—or a perfect gift for the women in your life who love God’s Word.
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