STRATEGIC ASTUTENESS
Scripture Reading: Exodus 13:17-22
Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." - Exodus 13:17
Strategy in the context of warfare is "the art of planning and directing overall military operations and movements in a war or battle." Depending on your circumstances or situation, your best strategy in battle could be a direct attack, encircling the enemy or even retreating for a season to bounce back another time. Your strategy for an issue or battle that confronts you in life must be influenced by factors like timing, the size and resources of the opponent as well as your own stage or situation in life.
There are certain battles you must avoid at certain stages in your life. This is simply because you may not have built enough strength or capacity to fight them. Prematurely engaging in some kinds of warfare can lead to your getting overrun, decimated or even losing your desire to move forward. When Jesus was a child and Herod sought to kill Him, an angel of God advised Joseph to flee with the family into Egypt.
When Israel left Egypt, they were exhausted from years of bondage and, therefore, militarily unprepared. In choosing their escape route to the promised land, God avoided the Philistine territories so they would not be caught up in unnecessary wars. Those same Philistines would later be defeated when Israel was more established as a military nation. Not every battle is worth fighting immediately. You need astuteness to know how to pick your battles and conserve energy for another day where necessary. It may mean having to take a longer route: that may sometimes be the wisest choice.
Prayer: Lord, may Your wisdom guide my strategies and give me the advantage in every battle.
