Notice how God prepared the children of Israel to take possession of the Promised Land after 430 years of slavery in Egypt.

“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ 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 13:17–18)

Can you imagine that? A journey to the Promised Land through the land of the Philistines would have taken only a few days. But God did not choose that route. “God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter.” God did not want the people to turn back because of war.

At that time, the children of Israel were not trained for war, having been slaves for 400 years. They needed some form of training; they needed to know the kind of God who was in their camp. God’s training for them involved leading them through the desert road to the Red Sea.

Whenever they faced an almost impossible situation and cried out to God, miracles happened. Through these miracles, God strengthened them and built their trust in Him, so that when they eventually faced wars, they were courageous.

In God’s ways, there is no “cutting corners”; you must understand the things of God. God is never too late—learn to understand Him and walk with Him. When it seems like you’ve lost time in fulfilling the vision, God says:

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.“ (Joel 2:25)

God is the owner of time; He is the one in control. God doesn’t always take the closest route. He doesn’t always do things the way you would. This is where you need the element of faith in your walk with God—that’s Christianity. When you reach a place where things are not as you expected, don’t run away. Remember that God said to Jeremiah:

“See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.“ (Jeremiah 1:10)

This means that anything the devil stirs up, you can destroy and build something else in its place. God said: “You are my war club, my weapon for battle.“ (Jeremiah 51:20)

You must see yourself in the light of what God has said. When you arrive at an office, a business, or a workplace, things should change. If things are falling apart, you should be the one to turn them around!

Look at the life of Jacob. He fled from Esau to Laban’s house. There, he discovered he wouldn’t enjoy the privileges he had in his father’s house. To marry Rachel, he was asked to work seven years. Though he didn’t like it, he had to do it to marry the woman he loved.During his time in his father’s house, he was served as the grandson of Abraham, who was wealthy in all things. Now, he was following sheep and goats into the fields. What a job for a prince!

After seven years, he was deceived and given Leah instead of Rachel. He had to serve another seven years for the woman he loved. He couldn’t quit. Moreover, his wages were changed ten times for the worse, but God helped him.

One day, he approached Laban to talk business, and Laban admitted:

“If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.” He added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them. You know how I have worked for you and how your livestock has fared under my care. The little you had before I came has increased greatly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I have been.” (Genesis 30:27–30)

Laban had to acknowledge that God had blessed him because of Jacob. Can they say that about the company where you work? Has God blessed them because of you? They shouldn’t suffer with you there! Your presence should bring blessings.

God said to Abraham: “I will bless you and make you a blessing.“ (Genesis 12:3)

Reflect on your life: are you a blessing where you are? God enriched Laban because of Jacob’s presence. God is the one who gives the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18), no matter how things look when you arrive.

Can God trust you to stay and fulfill what He has called you to do in your current position? Jacob wanted to leave his work; he was ready to go. It was time because he had endured enough deceit despite his patience. Yet, he stayed until God told him to leave.

In these last days, many people will lose their jobs. There will be tough times in the world, but Jesus said: “Take heart! I have overcome the world.“ (John 16:33) This means He has frustrated the systems of this world and exalted the Kingdom of God.

That’s why you must be excited about the position God has placed you in. You should know that God is counting on you. Let Him trust you. When He says, “Join this chariot,” join it, knowing He wants to preserve lives through you. This is the essence of being part of any journey or venture in life…

This text is an excerpt from the book ““JOIN THIS CHARIOT” written by Chris OYAKHILOME.

We invite you to read the following article, “PREACH THE WORD FROM WHERE YOU ARE!“