In the book of Exodus, many of us have heard about the Israelites and their encounter at the Red Sea. It is well-known scriptures of how God parted the sea for His people. In Exodus 14:13-14 Moses tells the people,
“Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will perform for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again, ever. The Lord will fight for you, while you keep silent.”
The scripture above can be of great comfort. The Israelites were at the end of their path, afraid of the Egyptians that were close behind. God's words spoke reassurance to them.
I got to thinking, how many times have we ended up at a Red Sea? Sometimes, it seems the Lord has led us in a certain direction or provided us with guidance for a decision, and it appears we are at the end, we are at the Red Sea. Sometimes causing us to doubt self or doubt our Father in heaven.
Now, I’m not talking about the dead end encounter that is due to our own poor decisions or choices, I’m talking about those times when we are praying and seeking the Lord during times of choices and decisions that we face.
In reading Exodus chapters 13 and 14, you will see that the Lord led His children in the direction of the Red Sea. He could’ve led them through a shorter path, but risked the chance of His children facing war, changing their minds and returning back to Egypt (Exodus 13:17). So when we wonder at times why God doesn't just lead us to the destination or goal quickly, remember, God knows when we are ready to face the battles ahead of us. As we learn along "the desert road toward the Red Sea" (Ex 13:18), may we hopefully grow in the likeness of Christ and rather than changing our minds and returning to our Egypt, may we be unwavering in faith and trust in our Father.
Remember, even though you may be encountering a desert road and it seems long, God knows what your are enduring. Even though we are praying, and seeking His will, and end up at the Red Sea, God knows exactly where He is leading us to and leading us through.
As the Israelites arrived at the Red Sea, they were afraid, Moses cried out to God, and then, our Lord told Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. As for you, lift up your staff and reach out with your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land." (Exodus 14: 15-16).
He parted the Red Sea, the Angel of the Lord moved from in front of them to behind them. It reminds me that God has our back. He never leaves us. Also, when we cry out to God, there will be times when He wants us to move forward so His will can be accomplished in our lives. Don't give up, don't turn around, move forward! He loves you, cares for you and watches over you, in the desert, in the long journey and through the Red Sea. Don’t lose hope, just keep walking forward, He will part the sea for you.
As I’m writing this, this scripture just came to mind, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. …” Isaiah 43:2.
He parts the seas, we need only to obey Him, wait upon Him & most importantly trust Him.
Till Next Time,
Monica <><
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