Exodus 13:17, 18  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. (NLT)

Exodus 13:20  Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear to do this. He said, “God will certainly come to help you. When he does, you must take my bones with you from this place.” (NLT)

Exodus 13:22  And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people. (NLT)

—

We see at least three important lessons in Exodus 13.

1. Taking the easy way isn’t the easy way.
2. Promises made should be promises kept.
3. God’s presence is permanent.

One big battle can destroy emerging faith. God graciously gives us smaller battles to build our confidence and competence for the larger battles to come. 

We should keep our promises even when it hurts. Psalm 15:4 is part of a response to the question in verse 1, which asks, “Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your holy hill?”

Those who despise flagrant sinners, 
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, 
**and keep their promises even when it hurts**.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ (Emphasis added.)

Don’t you know that sarcophagus was a bit burdensome on that forty-year journey?

Don’t you know inconveniences in connection with sacred obligations are not burdens but blessings? God carried his people through the wilderness for forty years. They could carry their ancestor whose story inspired them, and us, generation after generation.

God showed himself faithful in the fire by night and the cloud by day. He provided what the people needed to get where they were going, to enjoy seasons of rest, and to remind them as often as they looked up that he was with them all the way. 

Make the most of today’s challenges because they are preparing you for the big opportunities to come.

Make promises wisely and keep them absolutely. 

Make a habit of acknowledging God’s presence in all things because you have never lived a moment outside of his gracious watchcare.

—

I will learn my lessons so that I may live better than I dreamed possible.

—

Our Father, teach me, train me, mold me, shape me. Empower me to live in the fullness of what you have built into my life that prepared me for today. Grow me today by your grace for what I will one day face. Amen.