Moses stretched out his hand toward the sea, and the LORD drove the sea apart by a strong east wind all that night, and he made the sea into dry land, and the water was divided.
Into the Text
Egypt was unbearable, but it was familiar and predictable. The desert was potential freedom but more likely certain death. Sometimes the scariest path isn’t the rough one we’ve already tread but the unknown one that lies ahead. Stepping into something new and unfamiliar brings all new fears and concerns. This was true for the Israelites, and it’s true for us. We all have our own “Egypts” and our own “deserts.”
The only way out of our “Egypts” is to obey God and walk forward trusting the character of God. The Israelites walked through the Red Sea on dry ground and into safety and freedom from the tyranny of Egypt. The celebration and awe of God’s power lasted only for a short time.
Though they experienced the power and care of God over and over, they doubted that God would do it again. We do the same thing.
We often doubt that God can handle the trials and tribulations of our individual lives. We forget that God can do immeasurably more than we could think or imagine. Sometimes God allows us to be placed in circumstances where the only way out is by turning to Him. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and He is the way maker through every circumstance in our lives.
Prayer
Lord, help me walk forward into unfamiliar territory trusting that you are the way maker. Show me where I am fearing more than trusting. Help me to be brave. Amen.