The Long Road + Your Saved Story
You are right in the middle of it all.
“It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn’t lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, which was the shortest route, for God thought, ‘If the people encounter war, they’ll change their minds and go back to Egypt.’ So God led the people on the wilderness road, looping around to the Red Sea.”
Exodus 13:17-18
“When do you think you’ll realize you’re right in the middle of a Saved Story?”
My therapist asked me this exact question in my session this week. SAVED STORY - I wrote it big and bold at the top of my journal.
Saved Story.
As soon as she said I knew it was true. Things have been happening lately that could only be God. Things that I have been praying for, for a long, long time. Dark Nights of the Soul have been popping up, moments of reflection and awareness and sudden understanding of need to change. Circumstances that I thought over three years ago were doomed, were suddenly working themselves out. The light was shinning a bit, hope has been springing up and the darkness starting to fade. I was beginning to see a miracle.
The Long Road…
Three years ago when my life starting falling apart - although I would argue now that my life starting crumbling years before this - I became obsessed with the Exodus story. Specifically, the stupidity of the Israelites. I have said it before, but it bears repeating…if I was God I would have given up on the Israelites pretty much right at the beginning. I’m not kidding. Good grief!
Good thing I’m not God….
Because the Israelites, whether we like it or not, are us. They make the same stupid mistakes over and over. And yet God, in His mercy and love, continues to save them. It’s so beautiful.
In my opinion, one of the most incredible moments of the Israelites journey - and there are many - was the story of “The Long Road” in Exodus. When I read this part of their journey, I was blown away.
…So God led the people on the wilderness road, looping around to the Red Sea.”
Whoa…You mean God actually made their walk LONGER on purpose?
That blew my mind. And it made me think. How many times, I wondered, did the Israelites grumble during the “long route”? I can hear them now, complaining about the time and the extra length, and all the things…because we all know they weren’t patient, bless their hearts. And yet I wonder, did they know they were right in the middle of a “saved story”? Right in the middle of God getting ready to do one of the most incredible miracles - the parting of The Red Sea. But they literally had no idea. None. Yet it was happening to them, whether they liked it or not. They just had to keep walking.
Saved story…keep walking…
When my therapist asked me that question, about when I was going to realize I was right in the middle of a “Saved Story”, I got chills. And I suddenly remembered the Israelites. Taking the long route. Walking the long way purposefully navigated by God, just so they wouldn’t get distracted and go back to their sad life before them. He took them the long way so that their Red Sea miracle could actually happen, instead of them running home to Egypt, giving up and never seeing their miracle. Gosh, it’s been a long road for me. Such a long road. Some days I could barely see the light, others I was certain I would die. I really didn’t think there was any hope some days. Truly. It has been a long, long road.
“Long Road” - “Saved Story”.
Listen friends, I want you to know that despite this long road, I am right in the middle of my Saved Story, and if my God is who I think He is… you likely are too. If you have stepped out and are walking the road He has orchestrated for you, even if you are complaining- or maybe you are barely crawling- but if you are on that road…and you haven’t run back yet to the old you… I can say with confidence you are in the middle of a Saved Story. And one day, I bet very soon, you’ll wake up and you’ll witness one of the most beautiful miracles in your life - like the parting of the Red Sea - all because you kept walking that super long road, and you didn’t turn back, and you kept on going…
One day.
I am beginning to see my miracle, and I know you will too. You are right in the middle of a “Saved Story”, my friends. And it’s beautiful.
Stay on that Long Road, don’t quit… Hugs.
xoxo
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6
Dear Readers,
Thank you being here and continuing to show up to share my journey and story. I am so grateful for you. If you are a current paid supporter THANK YOU! Your monthly or yearly subscription goes to support my family on our journey to health and wholeness. It also allows me to continue to write and podcast and share God’s glory revealed stories. If you not a supporter, thank you as well for subscribing and showing up for my free posts. However your support is shown here, I am grateful for you!!
So much love, Amy