Crossing the Sea Exod. 13:17-22
17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.
Note 1 v.17 - God does NOT necessarily lead His people to freedom through the shortest road for if He did (when they faced a battle) they might change their minds and return to their enslavement. A long road ensures commitment to freedom.
What victory/freedom are you allowing God to work out in your life right now? It may be that He has you on the longer path to ensure the sustained victory. In your patience, ye possess your souls.
21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Note 2 v.21-22 God promises never to leave or forsake His people.
Trust God!