Each month, my husband and I serve in a marriage ministry together. During our time serving, we lead worship, and we welcome first-time participants to the program, explaining both the logistics and the mission of the ministry. We encounter a variety of couples from all different circumstances. Some are brand new to marriage while others have been married for decades. Some want to work on improving their communication or family dynamics, while others have already filed for divorce and are giving their marriage one last attempt. Knowing all of this, my husband and I navigate a wide range of emotions and stories each time that we serve together.
While my heart is always encouraged to see all the couples there, I’m especially prone to feel a deep care for those that are on the brink of divorce. I imagine the courage it took to walk in the doors, hold such heavy pain, and surrender (even if only in parts for the time being) to a process where reconciliation and restoration might occur. I know this isn’t always the outcome for every couple, but knowing that it’s a possibility captures my heart every time.
All of us have encountered or will encounter seasons in life where the steps ahead seem insurmountable. We trudge along with heavy burdens, and we’re desperately trying to decide if the journey ahead is something through which we can navigate. Maybe it’s not a divorce or a marriage concern, but the options are endless.
In these moments, the weakness of our humanity usually begs us to give up and turn back, often succumbing to sin patterns or states of brokenness. But the power of our God offers us a way through, an exodus from that which has enslaved us, a pathway to abundant life on the other side.
God Made A Way
For the Israelites standing on the banks of the Red Sea, going back to Egypt and surrendering to slavery seemed like the best they could do. They just fled Pharaoh and their oppressors, leaving behind everything to pursue a new life with God in the Promised Land. But Pharaoh and his army kept charging after them.
Now with a sea in front of them and chariots and horses behind them, death felt inevitable. The journey looked hopeless. With this level of desperation, it makes sense that turning back toward Egypt seemed like a good idea. At least they knew what that life was like, even if it involved being enslaved.
These exact emotions and sentiments of surrender from the Israelites are what make the miracle of God stand out so strongly. Rather than allowing His people to fall victim to Egypt or the Red Sea, God made a way forward. He made the impossible possible.
The sea became dry ground.
The water became a wall.
The powerful Egyptians became powerless.
An oppressed Israel became saved.
And what was Israel’s role in their salvation? Watch God and walk through.
Redemption from Our Personal Egypt
God miraculously charted a path through the Red Sea so that the Israelites could continue their journey forward to the abundant life God had promised them. Even in the midst of their doubt and frustrations, God remained faithful to the plans He had in mind for them. No sea, no army, and no earthly kingdom contained enough power to compete with God.
In the ultimate miracle many years later, God redeemed us all from our own slavery to sin through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Sin has always seemed insurmountable for us, and our broken human nature often begs us to return to sin over and over because of its familiarity, comfort, and allure. Sin is our own personal Egypt.
Like Israel, when the odds are stacked against us and our desperation is real, retreating to sin and defeat seems like the best we can do. But Jesus’ life, death and resurrection show us that He has the power to overcome sin and lead us into the abundant life God has in mind for us.
When we trust in Jesus as our Savior and walk empowered by the Holy Spirit, our own Red Seas are parted every day before our eyes. Our powerful God is still in the business of redemption and restoration. We are simply called to watch God do His work in our lives and walk through in obedience to the salvation He offers us.
God’s Power Unfolding
When I watch couples walk through the doors on the brink of divorce, I want to be their biggest cheerleader toward restoration. I want them to know that while the sin patterns and brokenness in their midst seem like the only possible reality, God’s power to redeem and deliver is still at work. He can part the waters. He can soften calloused hearts. He can bring to life a dead relationship. The Israelites have witnessed it. I have witnessed it. Followers of Jesus with new lives filled by God’s grace have all witnessed it.
Sometimes the best first step to experience a powerful move of God is to stop and watch. The second step is to walk in the miracle He is working out in your life.
What struggle or sin pattern is behind you or chasing after you that you can’t seem to outrun? What challenge stands before you that you’re afraid might drown you? If you’re caught between desperation and hopelessness and it feels like there’s nowhere to turn, ask God for His miraculous salvation. Trust that He will blaze a trail before you. When He does, walk one step at a time toward His abundant life for you. Be sure to see the great power of the Lord as it unfolds before your very eyes.
