So God led them in a round about way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle. Exodus 13:18
Rather than taking them on the shortest route: God led them along the better route. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. God also knew if they took the shortcut it was heavily guarded by Egyptian fortresses.
God led the people by the desert road toward the Red Sea. Do you feel like you just traveled down a desert road? Do you see what looks like the Red Sea just ahead? You might refer to this as "being stuck between a rock and a hard place." It is inevitable at some point we will find ourselves in this position, but I have good news for you.
If you feel like you are camping on the edge of a desert I want you to know God is with you preparing the way. The Lord went ahead of the Israelites in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light. Neither the pillar of cloud by day not the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. This was the visible symbol of God's presence among his people.
God is always with you day and night. He has already gone ahead of you so He knows what you are facing. Be still and take the time to sit in the Presence of God. Listen for His voice. Wait for Him to tell you when it is time to move forward. Don't plan your own course or try any shortcuts. (Remember where the Israelites would've ended up). Follow your guide who will light the way.
It is easy to arm ourselves for battle and march out boldly when we know a better place is ahead and it is our for the taking. However, in the middle of this journey there will be places where we literally stop in our tracks. When there seems to be no way (looking at what appears to be the Red Sea) God will make a way. There is still hope. He split the sea before and He can do it again specifically for each and everyone of us according to His timing and direction. Let us always be thankful for God who always sees us through to the other side.
Once the Israelites reached the other side they went into the Desert of Shur. I imagine they were thinking really God another desert to go through. When facing yet another desert we tend to grumble just like the Israelites did. We can choose to complain or we can cry out to God who sees the situation after we come out of it. I believe it important to always hope for the best.
My friends, the truth is we will always face a desert or a wilderness we will have to walk through. This very well could be a time of testing. During this time of testing (as with any test) we know it will come to an end. After looking back and realizing it was God that brought me through all the difficult times in my life I am so thankful for who He is. At the end of every trial it is like God is saying, "times up, your time is testing is over" and then the blessings usually come pouring in. The purpose is to to turn our test into a testimony for others to hear. Remember God is always with us and sees us through every single time.