Soon after I was settled in my chair with my Bible and I turned to the next chapter in my cover-to-cover read through. Is it any coincidence that it was Exodus 14 where Israel crossed the Red Sea? No. It wasn't.
In front of them was the Red Sea, behind them was the Egyptian army, complete with horses and chariots—the most modern and high tech weaponry of the day. And Israel panicked and fear ran rampant in their midst.
That's how I was feeling—without even knowing if what happened was friend or foe!
The people saw an obstacle but Moses saw an opportunity. Look what he says:
Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today... The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent. ~Exodus 14:13-14
It was enough to stop the frenzied mental pacing that was still going on inside. It was enough to stop the feverish rolling my stomach was doing. It was enough to take my eyes off what happened and fix them on my Heavenly Father.
But the passage doesn't end there.
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward.” ~Exodus 14:15
Go forward.
But the Red Sea... ?
Go forward.
We know the story. God parted that Red Sea and Israel went through on dry land, and when Egypt and all their high tech equipment was crossing, the Red Sea returned to normal and the strength of Egypt, and all they intended to do to Israel, was crushed. But if Israel had not obeyed, if they had stood there wringing their hands or if they had been frozen with fear, they wouldn't have crossed the Red Sea. They wouldn't have been delivered. They wouldn't have seen God fight for them.
Their obedience let them see God's hand working for them.
How about you? Do you feel your enemies are right behind you? Has fear threatened to enslave you yet again? Remember what we're told to do: Do not fear! Watch as God fights for you. Keep silent. (Don't let those voices of fear keep screaming in your ear!) Go forward.
Won't you join me crossing the Red Sea?
Wow, Peej! Have you been peeking into my life? Great stuff. I will remember this example. I'll cross through the Red Sea with you, okay?
ReplyDeleteWow! I have been in the same boat for the past two days. Every time I forget about it the ugly dragon rears his head! You are right - I need to let God fight my battle rather than try to fix it. I feel I am only making it worse! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNancy C :)
Yes! Every time I take on another endeavor, you know cause I don't have enough going on in my life :) I feel this lately but I know that I'm doing what I was called to do, so he will work out the details! I'm enjoying the journey and I think that's important too. THanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God
I don't know how this meshes with your message, which by the way is well-articulated, but this week I've been thinking about my nightmares. I have two recurring ones. One involves a tsunami. The other has to do with my enemy chasing me. I ALWAYS turn to face him/her--that's when I get shot in the stomach.
ReplyDeleteStrangely enough, from my point of view, it meshes perfectly with your message...
Patty, thank you for sharing with us what was on your heart. I know that I seem to find myself standing @ the shore quite often. I want to cross but I keep looking over my shoulder to see if the enemy is coming. Lord, help me in my daily life to put my trust in you. Thank you Lord for keeping your promises. Thank you again Patty.
ReplyDeleteGood REMINDER and ENCOURAGEMENT for me.....Yes crossing "the read Sea" with you.....Trusting and believing He fights our battles.....
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Bernice
You guys have blessed me so much! Thank you! Knowing I have sisters with me as I grapple with fear and then face forward and cross the Red Sea is comforting. Standing together to encourage each other and help one another when we slip or struggle... How I thank God for my sisters!
ReplyDeleteLove you guys!
And Lisa, I DO see the connection! Turning around and looking at those fears of ours is like a deer caught in the headlights of a car.
ReplyDeleteRemember Peter?
To look at our fears we have to take our eyes off Jesus, and that's exactly when Peter began to sink. But when our eyes are focused on Him the scary things don't swamp us because of where our focus is. Sure, they may still be there, but they don't seem as big or bad compared to greatness of our God.
I'm praying that when those nightmares come that you don't turn. That you keep your eyes on Jesus. And if you should start to sink, remember what Peter did: "he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him..." (Matt. 14:30-31)
Hugs!
I think this is one of your best devotions, Peej. Or maybe it was just perfect for me.
ReplyDeleteOoooh yeah! Excellent one. Praying you across - and crossing with ya, sweetie!
ReplyDelete