Exodus 14:10-11, “As Pharoah approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified, and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?”
Look over your life. What have you had fears about? Was it work, a boss, a spouse, your reputation, health issues, financial issues? Or maybe some gossip about you that hurt. How did God pour His compassion into your situation? What verses gave you strength you hadn’t had before? Dig back into those situations, but don’t dwell on them. Dwell on how great God is in your life. Dwell on how He has rescued you in the past and be assured He will do so again. Trusting in God first, is needed.
The Israelite’s memory was short-sided. They saw their enemies marching after them. Of course, they naturally felt overpowered. I would, too, wouldn’t you? But God had told Moses God would gain the glory (Exodus 14:4) despite Pharoah and his six hundred choice chariots. Pharaoh had the best military resources. The Israelites had nothing except a rebellious boldness against Pharoh and all he stood for. That was of more value and benefit to them than they realized. They mistakenly lost their confidence in God in this situation and turned against Moses. Here was Moses’s response: “And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today for the Egyptians whom you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you. You only have to be silent.” Exodus 14:13-14.
We all face this common dilemma when stuck in a seemingly impossible situation that has turned into a crisis. However, we must fear God more than man because God always has a plan. The people were trapped between the Red Sea and their enemies. Moses’s faith never weakened or faltered. Who is the creator of the Red Sea? God! He was in control of His creation and provided a way of escape by causing the strong east wind to blow a path wide open for them to walk on dry land, through the Red Sea, and then closed it. They escaped, and their enemies died. God’s miracle spoke to the Israelite’s political enemy, Egypt, as it did to His own people. After experiencing and seeing the strength of our Santa Anna winds, I can picture this miracle of deliverance that God provided. I think of the stories these Israelite’s had to tell their grandchildren of this event they walked through. God not only parted the waters, He made the land they walked on be completely dry and the waters became a wall! Once they had gone through, God took care of their enemies who became confused, and the Red Sea went back to its normal state by God’s command, and they all died in the Red Sea – “they sank like lead” Exodus 15:10 states. But God’s people were kept safe.
“This is an aspect of the spiritual life rarely reflected upon, yet Ephesians 3:10-11 tell us that God uses His people to teach angelic beings. When God delivers us from a temptation or crisis, it is as much a testimony to our invisible adversaries as it is to us. God uses each victory in our life to tell our unseen enemies of His power and ability to work in and through frail humanity.” David Guzik, Blue Letter Commentary. I need to remember that.
Dear friend, God will gain the glory in your problem, but you must trust Him to do it. Stand firm, have courage, and put into practice Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God!” Ask God to reveal His greatness, compassion, and supremacy, even during a frightful circumstance. Have a new appreciation of Proverbs 17:28, “Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” Did you ever think your silence and discretion can give the impression of composure and maturity in a challenging situation? Think about that. Let that sink in. You may feel trapped. But do not despair. Stand firm, have righteous stubbornness, keep your thoughts centered on the truth found in God’s Word, and see the deliverance God will provide for you as He did for the Israelites who crossed dry ground through the Red Sea. Now how do you perceive God’s presence with you today?
Listen to “I Will Carry You” Ellie Holcomb, Official Lyric Video.