The Daily: Friday February 6, 2026

for YaHWeH your God is in your midst,
a warrior to keep you safe;
who will rejoice over you and be glad of it;
who will show you love once more,
and exult with songs of joy 18 and soothe those who are grieving.
Zephaniah 3:17-18a

The Israelites could have reached the Promised Land in a matter of weeks, but instead they wandered for forty years. From a human perspective, this seems like a massive detour, a colossal waste of time. But sometimes the long way is the only way that leads us home - not just to a physical destination, but to who we're meant to become. Moses was dead. The road ahead was long and uncertain. But the source of strength that had sustained them through the wilderness was still present, still available, still faithful. This is the reality we all face at various points in our lives - the familiar is gone, the journey ahead seems overwhelming, but the source remains. Jesus understood this. His strength wasn't self-generated; it came from His connection to something beyond Himself. He knew that the power working through Him wasn't dependent on His own abilities or circumstances. It was the same eternal source that had been present with Moses, with Joshua, and with every person who had ever needed strength for the journey.

The beautiful truth is that this strength isn't about rushing to the destination or dominating the obstacles in our path. It's about having the endurance to walk the long way, held steady by divine presence and not walking alone. It's strength not to force outcomes, but to remain faithful to the process of becoming who God is calling us to be. Today, whatever long road you're walking, remember that you're not alone. The same source of strength that sustained the Israelites through their wilderness wandering, that empowered Jesus in His ministry, and that has carried countless others through their darkest valleys is available to you. You are beloved, you are accompanied, and you have everything you need for the journey ahead.

Reflection
How might God be using the 'long way' in your current circumstances to develop something in you that couldn't be formed through a shorter, easier path?

Prayer
God, give me strength not to rush or force my way, but to walk faithfully on the long road You've set before me. Help me trust that You are with me every step of the way. Amen.