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God's Way the Safe Way

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 12, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 46.

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God's Way the Safe Way

By A. N. DURRANT

A. N. DURRANT
“And they journeyed from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.” Num. 21:4.
When Jehovah undertook to lead Israel “out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage,” to the promised land, he knew all the trials and obstacles, as well as the blessings and sweet experiences, that awaited them; for God himself had planned their whole journey, having nothing but Israel's good at heart.
“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt; but God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.” Ex. 13:17, 18.
Israel, having been long in slavery, was not able to contend with the warlike Philistines; so God intended to strengthen their faith, and give sufficient training, by the experiences of the Red Sea, and Marah (bitter water), and afterward Rephidim (no water at all), and all other similar experiences with which they met; for they were afterward to become a terror to the heathen nations. Deut. 26:19. But, alas! “the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way,” even though it was God's way. Truly “it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23); therefore the gracious “Lord directeth his steps.” Prov. 16:9. God's dealings with his children have been the same through all ages. It is “through much tribulation” that they enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22.
In these last days, when God again calls out the remnant of Israel to join the ranks of past ages in faithful service, and to go up and possess the land, it is none the less true that it will be “through much tribulation” that they will enter the kingdom. See Isa. 11:11; Rev. 14: 6-14; 12:17; Luke 21:25-28; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Dan. 12:1. “Upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, . . . men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” Heart-strings are snapping all over the world, burdened under the weight of care and anxiety, and it may be that some poor souls that once started for the kingdom are also becoming “discouraged because of the way.” If it be you who read this, then I can only say, “Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” The journey will soon be over. Each mighty breaker drives us nearer home. While looking up, “commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass” (Ps. 37:5); for he has also said, “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jer. 29:11. And again: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.” Isa. 43:2.
Therefore we may know by the trials we meet that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28; 2 Cor. 4:16-18); and he who said, “Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared” (Ex. 23:20), will always sweeten the waters of Marah with the sweet waters from the fountain of life, and will at last bring us to our desired haven of rest.
“The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.”
Jamaica, W. I.