WHEN GOD TAKES YOU THE LONG WAY

WHEN GOD TAKES YOU THE LONG WAY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 13:17-18
Key Verse: “So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.” (Exodus 13:18, NIV)

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 8:2, Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 8:28, Psalm 37:23-24, Proverbs 3:5-6

INTRODUCTION:
God’s leading does not always follow the shortest or most convenient route. Often, He takes His people through the long way — a path that seems unnecessary, slower, and harder than expected. To our natural minds, it may look like delay, but to God, it is divine preparation.

The children of Israel could have reached the Promised Land in a matter of days, but God, in His infinite wisdom, took them through the wilderness instead. This was not a mistake or punishment; it was an act of love, designed to prepare them for what lay ahead and to protect them from battles they were not yet ready to fight.

In this message, we will explore the reasons God sometimes takes us the long way, the benefits of this route, and how to maintain faith and patience until we reach our divine destination.

1. WHY GOD SOMETIMES TAKES US THE LONG WAY

a) To protect us from premature battles (Exodus 13:17)
Some challenges are beyond our current capacity, and God shields us until we are strong enough to face them.

b) To build our faith and trust in Him (Deuteronomy 8:2)
The long way teaches dependence on God rather than on our own understanding.

c) To prepare us for the weight of the promise (1 Samuel 17:34-37)
Like David’s years as a shepherd, the long route shapes our skills, resilience, and spiritual depth.

d) To align us with divine timing (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
God’s plan includes perfect timing, and sometimes the long road ensures we arrive exactly when He wants us to.

Biblical Example: Joseph — His journey through slavery and prison positioned him perfectly for leadership in Egypt.

2. BENEFITS OF THE LONG WAY

a) It deepens our spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4)
Trials along the long way shape our character and patience.

b) It reveals God’s power in unexpected ways (Exodus 14:21-22)
Miracles often happen along the detours we never planned.

c) It removes the excess baggage from our lives (Hebrews 12:1)
The journey exposes and strips away attitudes, relationships, and habits that would hinder us in the promised land.

d) It helps us value the destination (Psalm 126:5-6)
When you labour and wait, you appreciate the blessing far more deeply.

Biblical Example: Israel — Their wilderness experience made the taste of Canaan sweeter.

3. HOW TO RESPOND WHEN GOD TAKES YOU THE LONG WAY

a) Trust His wisdom and sovereignty (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Believe that His route is always the best, even when it doesn’t make sense.

b) Stay obedient to His instructions (Joshua 1:7-8)
Obedience keeps you in alignment with His leading.

c) Maintain a thankful heart (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Gratitude keeps your spirit strong and hopeful.

d) Keep moving forward (Philippians 3:13-14)
Don’t settle or turn back; every step forward brings you closer to the promise.

Biblical Example: Abraham — Even without knowing where he was going, he kept following God’s call.

4. SIGNS YOU ARE NEARING THE END OF YOUR LONG WAY

a) Greater clarity of purpose (Habakkuk 2:2-3)
God begins to reveal more details about your next step.

b) Open doors you could not force (Revelation 3:8)
After seasons of waiting, God suddenly makes things happen.

c) A sense of inner readiness (Isaiah 40:31)
You feel spiritually, mentally, and emotionally equipped for what’s next.

d) Fulfilment of past prophetic words (Isaiah 55:11)
Promises that seemed delayed suddenly manifest.

Biblical Example: Israel crossing the Jordan — The wilderness season was over, and the promise was at hand.

CONCLUSION:
The long way is never wasted time. It is a route of divine protection, preparation, and positioning. Every step is intentional, and every delay is purposeful. God is not slow; He is strategic.

When you trust His route, you will arrive at your destination with the strength, wisdom, and maturity to handle it well. So if you find yourself on the long way today, be encouraged — it is the surest road to your destiny.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to trust Your leading even when it’s the long way.
2. Father, protect me from battles I am not yet ready to face.
3. Lord, use this journey to build my faith and patience.
4. Father, align me with Your perfect timing.
5. Lord, remove anything in my life that could hinder my destiny.
6. Father, open my eyes to see Your purpose in my delays.
7. Lord, keep my heart thankful throughout the journey.
8. Father, give me the grace to keep moving forward without turning back.
9. Lord, position me for the fulfilment of every promise over my life.
10. Father, let my life glorify You in every stage of the journey.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will not be stranded on your journey!
2. Every delay in your life is turning into divine preparation!
3. God will shield you from battles you cannot yet fight!
4. You will arrive at your destiny fully equipped and ready!
5. The long way will not break you; it will make you!
6. Your faith will grow stronger in the waiting!
7. Doors will open for you in God’s perfect timing!
8. Every prophetic word over your life will come to pass!
9. You will not miss your divine season!
10. You will reach your promised land with joy and victory!