“A Boy Named Sue”
God always works things out for “our good,” but He knows each one of His children. He knows who can fight the battle, and who “wants to return to Egypt.” He knows how to make us “tough!”
“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 (are afraid and want to turn tail and run) 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 (like an army) out of the land of Egypt.” Exodus 13:17-18
God knew these children, who had been slaves for over 400 years, would be facing not only Pharaoh and his armies, but drought, hunger, adversaries greater than they were, giants, armies of thousands of chariots, and much more. He knew that if they took the easy way back to Israel (the land of the Philistines was the shortcut), they would not become strong enough to conquer their enemy. God had to make them tough!
God had to make them “strong enough to fight!” There’s a song by the late Johnny Cash which he sang at California’s San Quentin State Prison in 1969. It was called “A Boy Named Sue.” The song goes on to say that this boy’s father named him “Sue.” His father named him “Sue” because he knew that calling him “Sue” would make him learn to fight his way through life! And it did!
Today, we cannot complain about hard times and difficult circumstances and give ourselves a “pity party.” Our wonderful Heavenly Father has allowed things to come our way to make us tough and to stand against the enemy! Now aren’t you glad He loves you that much! You “will” come through this battle with the victory!!! Hang in there! Sherry