Have you ever felt so panicked and fearful that you just lose all sense of reality? Maybe you feel like you’re backed into a corner and overwhelmed with the stresses of this life. I mean the world we live in is so full of darkness and definitely enough to keep us in a state of panic. When we find ourselves in moments like these we need to put our confidence back in God. He will help us and make a way of escape.
Think back to the Israelites. Pharaoh finally sets them free and instead of God leading them on the shortest path to the Promised Land, He takes them around the desert road toward the Red Sea. This was because God knew that if they went the shorter route they would end up having to fight the Philistines. So already we can see how God takes care of the Israelites. He also gives them a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire so they would know that God is with them both throughout the day and the night. He knows the outcome and He is protecting them from danger. Just like He knows what is best for us. When our journeys seem to be longer than expected, this is proof that it is all in God’s plan, to keep us safe and protected. He wants the best for us and He knows the end from the beginning. We don’t have a pillar of cloud or fire to directly lead us today, but we do have His Holy Word and the Holy Spirit to guide us day and night.
Then God tells Moses to tell the Israelites to turn back and camp between Migdol and the sea. God said this would cause Pharaoh to think the Israelites are wandering around in confusion. And as He had done before, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart in order to get him to pursue the Israelites. Why in the world would God want Pharaoh to pursue the Israelites now that they are finally free? God answers by saying,
“And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for Myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am Lord.” Exodus 14:4
As Pharaoh approaches, guess what the Israelites do? They panic!!! They cry out to God and ask Moses what he has done to them. They are at the point that they think they are better off serving the Egyptians rather than dying in the desert. They are trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea. There is no where to go. They have lost all faith and are only focused on the danger coming right towards them. Don’t we also feel this way at times? Some situations we face really make us feel trapped like we have no way out. We forget what the Lord has done for us in the past. We panic, lose all focus on God and turn our focus to our fears, doubts, and anxiety. We feel like we are backed into our own Red Sea with nowhere to run while our problems attack us. We see no way out. But there is hope.
Moses encourages the Israelites to have faith in God and He will rescue them.
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.” Exodus 14:13-14
We know the story goes on to show that God instructs Moses to raise his staff and God parts the Red Sea. The Israelites are able to walk on dry ground with walls of water on each side of them. Then when they are safe God instructs Moses to raise his staff again so the waters flow over the Egyptian army and not one of them survives. This miraculous story should be enough to remind us of what God can do. All it takes is one spoken word from God, there is nothing He can’t do.
When you feel like you have no way of escape, remember God’s faithfulness. God allowed this to happen to the Israelites so even today we can look back and see what He can do. He may take you on the longer route, but rest assured He has a purpose. His will and ways are so much higher. When troubles come our way we need to remember to focus on God’s word, to stay in fervent prayer, and to praise Him. He is faithful and He will part the sea you are facing.
Rays of Sunshine inc 