A couple of weeks ago, my Sunday school boys and I got to look at one of my all-time favorite stories– the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14. Let me share some of my observations.
Anxiety
Verse 8 says Israel went out of Egypt "with boldness". However, at the first sign of difficulty, that confidence evaporated. In Exodus 14, God was working His purpose for the nation of Israel and He was accomplishing a separate purpose for Egypt. (see v. 18) Those two intersected at the Red Sea.
I often head down the path God lays out for me, but when trouble arises, I question the path, the purpose, my faith and God Himself. However, it may all be part of another plan for another situation. I need to hang in there.
Panic
Faced with an elite army bearing down on them, Israel panicked. They lost it. They turned on Moses. They longed for slavery. They forgot they had over 600,000 fighting men of their own (according to Numbers 1). They couldn't remember the miracles God had just performed on their behalf through the plagues. All they could focus on was the enemy and their vision of certain defeat and slaughter. Moses says, "Stand still (or as I like to paraphrase it- shut up!) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today."
I lose focus. I panic. I forget. I need to stop running in circles, waving my arms like the kid in Home Alone. He may not resolve the entire situation today, but He will show up on my behalf. God will deliver.
Hesitation
In spite of that awesome guarantee, God had to nudge Israel. Verse 15 He says, "Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward." God gave the direction, He promised protection, and yet it wasn't enough. Crossing the Red Sea had never been done before. Slavery was miserable and oppressive, but at least they knew what to expect. God says, "Move forward."
With boldness. See the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today. Move forward.
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