By Eunice Soper

We had been traveling for hours. It had been a disagreeable day, with rain falling constantly. But the highway was good, traffic was light, and we were looking forward to rest in a comfortable motel. The warm lights of the city were just ahead. In a few moments our journey would end.

And then -- blocking the road was a huge sign: "Road under construction. Detour to the left." Groans of dismay filled the car as we turned off onto a narrow road that had once been graveled but was now mostly mud and deep ruts. Dodging puddles, creeping up slippery inclines, and sliding down the other side, miles farther on and almost an hour later, we came to our destination -- tired, dirty, and little "edgy."

But we are looking forward to traveling over that road from which we detoured again, for soon it will be a superhighway -- a many-laned ribbon of smooth concrete that will be a joy to drive on. We were inconvenienced for a time in order to allow an improvement to be made that we would enjoy in the future.

Moses, a prince in the land of Egypt, had determined that he would always remember that he was really an Israelite. His people were slaves, although he was a prince in line to inherit the kingdom of Egypt at some future time. Moses was sure that he was the person who would someday free his people and allow them to rebuild their nation in a land of their own. He had the training as a stateman and as a soldier. He was sure he could help his people. And one day, when the opportunity presented itself, the young man made what he considerd was the first stroke.

Much to his surprise and chagrin, his intentions were misunderstood by the Israelites. He found himself in disgrace with the royal household, and was exiled to a desert for forty long years. Here he put in his time as a shepherd, learning precious lessons that God had for him -- lessons of patience and of trust in God. It was a time of great trial, no doubt, to a young man used to activity and honor and excitement. But it was a trial with a future, for God was preparing him to lead his people and make them a great nation.

That's the way with trials. To us they often seem a waste of time. We impatiently sit and tap our feet, figuratively speaking, for we feel that if we were only allowed to proceed immediately everything would be all right. But God does not work hurriedly. He detours us into paths that will give us greater preparation for what He wants us to do.

Do you feel that you are enduring a trial that is blocking your progress? Be of good heart, friend, it may be a trial with the future in view! Just trust God and He will "bring it to pass."