Occasionally, our partners will write me of bouts of sleeplessness due to guilt and confusion because God seems to be leading them "back into the world" just when they long to devote their lives to ministry. "Why, God" they wonder.

Perhaps the answer can be found by asking: "Why did God lead the Israelites to a land (Egypt) where He knew they would become slaves?" The answer is, He did it to protect them! He knew that serious wars would break out in Canaan during the time they were in Egypt. Being weak, they would have been destroyed if they'd stayed.

The Lord would have you learn from the children of Israel tonight. Maybe He's leading you to a job or housing in an unlikely place to protect you! You can't imagine what the enemy may be plotting, but God knows He needs to put you somewhere else for a time to strengthen you. Don't worry. When the time is right, He'll lead you back to Canaan.

Be assured tonight that He will do anything He has to do to protect you. As the psalmist said: "For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You In a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters. They shall not come near him. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:6-7, NKJV).

Praise Him for protecting you, even if it involves a journey to a place you'd least expect. Trust that He knows best and sleep peacefully.

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that no matter where You send me, it's for my good. Help me to use my time well in the "strange" place, so that when I return to Canaan I'll have the strength and endurance to overcome all my foes. In Jesus' Name, Amen.