When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main
road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route
to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might
change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way
through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an
army ready for battle.
Exodus 13:17-18 (NLT)
Protecting us from Difficulties
Preparing us for Difficulties
Developing us in Difficulties
The Lord led you through the wilderness for all those forty years, humbling you and
testing you to find out how you would respond, and whether or not you would really
obey him?
Deuteronomy 8:2 (TLB)
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not
lacking anything.
James 1:4 (NIV)
What not to do in God’s waiting room
1. Don’t Fear
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.
Proverbs 29:25 (NLT)
… fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen
you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5b (ESV)
2. Don’t Fret
But on the way the people lost their patience and spoke against God and Moses.
They complained, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in this desert, where
there is no food or water? We can't stand any more of this miserable food!”
Numbers 21:4-5 (GNT)
Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don’t be envious of evil men who
prosper. Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry—it only leads
to harm.
Psalm 37:7-8 (TLB)
…Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are
pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can
praise God for and be glad about … and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8b-9 (TLB)
3. Don’t Faint
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with
wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said
to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! And they said to each other, “We should
choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”
Numbers 14:2,4 (NIV)
So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will
harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.
Galatians 6:9 (MSG)
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray
and not give up.
Luke 18:1 (NIV)
Will I Panic or Pray
4. Don’t Forget
They forgot the many times He showed them his love, and they rebelled against the
Almighty at the Red Sea.
But He saved them, as he had promised … But they
quickly forgot what he had done and acted without waiting for his advice.
Psalm 106:7-8, 13 (GNT)
I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not
forget the glorious things he does for me.
Psalm 103:1-2 (TLB)
What Prayers has He Answered?
What needs has He met?
What difficulties has He helped you overcome?
He wants to Develop you before He Delivers you.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead
he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time
approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for
these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a
single day!
Habakkuk 2:3 (TLB)
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