Exodus 13:17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” NLT
TO BUILD HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
In the long journey of God's people to the promised land, it was an avenue for God to sever them from unhealthy relationships. When they were leaving Egypt, we were told that mixed multitude accompanied them: "And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle."(Ex 12:38). Some of the problems they faced in the wilderness were caused by mix multitudes because they were not people of the covenant. The Israelites had intermingled so much with some of these pagans so they had no option than to follow them at their exodus. God wanted a pure community to move into the promised land. In fact, God forbade them from marrying from those pagan nations because they had the tendency of swaying them from the living God. He couldn't take them into the promised land until He dealt with the issue of unholy alliance.
Many years ago, as fellowship leader among Christian youths, I received a word of knowledge from the Lord that He wanted to reposition His people. By the Spirit, I knew many relationships would be broken and there would be realignment for destiny and it happened exactly as the Lord said. I knew it was painful on the part of those affected because some were in those relationships for years and they even flaunted it but God needed to do that for them to move into His plan and purpose(s) for their lives. One of the reasons for the wilderness experience is that God want to sever you from unholy alliances and relationships that aren't fit for your next level. Some of us are surrounded with fire extinguishers and destroyers who can easily pull us down. There are those whose life's vision and style doesn't align with God's plan for our lives yet we are so attached to these people because we don't know they aren't in the plan of God for our lives.
The emotional attachment we have with some of these unfriendly friends is a cause of concern for God: "Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you” (2 Cor6:17). It is in the season of your wilderness experience you will clearly see who your true friends are. God is interested in your relationships as much He is in other areas of your life. God can keep you on a spot because you're wrongly attached to people whom He wants you to separate from. The long season of waiting is the period of separation, alignment and realignment. Some persons must not enter into the promised land with you. Cooperate with God.
Father, I receive the grace to separate from every unholy alliance in Jesus name.