When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.
Exodus 13:17-18
Lord Jesus, today I submit and yield to Your guidance and direction. I put my plans to the side and I look to You to know which way to go. Though the path You lead me in may not feel like the best path to me, I recognize that You know what I do not know, and You know what is best for me. You know not only the obstacles that are before me, but also how I will respond to them. Even though I think I am equipped for what lies ahead, You know what I am truly prepared to handle. You see what I do not see. This year help me to trust You no matter what my eyes tell me. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to seek You at every turn, knowing that You hold the future and that my success rests solely on You. Lord, help me to overcome this broken sense of self-sufficiency, and give me a spirit of holy reliance upon You, trusting in You, the God of my salvation, Who loves me and cares for me. Lord, where You lead me and I shall follow. My life belongs to You. Have Your way with me to Your glory. Amen.