GPS - Grow, Pray, Study Weekly Guide: Monday, October 4

Exodus 2:1-10

At the invitation of their brother Joseph, and of Pharaoh (the king of Egypt), the other 11 sons of Jacob (God's nickname for him was Israel) and their families moved to Egypt in order to escape a widespread famine. More than 400 years later, these families had grown so much that it became an increasing concern for a new Pharaoh (who apparently blew off history class). Out of fear that the Israelites could pose a threat to the Egyptian national security, Pharaoh decided to make them forced laborers (slaves). Yet the Israelites continued to grow in number, and Pharaoh continued to monitor this national security issue. Eventually, he even ordered that all the newborn baby boys be thrown into the Nile, presumably to be drowned.

If everything had gone according to Pharaoh's plan, his national security issue might have been effectively resolved. Yet there were some who dared to resist and/or bend the rules. They chose to “get off the interstate”, the path of least resistance, in search of an alternate route.

Interstates are designed to help people travel without dealing with time consuming, annoying obstacles like traffic lights, school zones, and busy intersections. There is no doubt that interstates have their advantages, but if we use them exclusively, we can get a distorted view of reality.

This week, consider what kind of route you are traveling. Are you going through life consistently choosing the path of least resistance? Are you cruising through life on the interstate? How might interstate travel color your reality?