GOD PURPOSEFULLY took the children of Israel by way of the Red Sea. I was thinking of this story this morning. The Israelites were very excited to leave Egypt. Moses had secured their freedom by the hand of God. They brought their families with them and they even plundered the Egyptians bringing out much riches. I can just imagine the singing and rejoicing of a people who had been so long in slavery and now were set free. What a glorious day this must have been! But soon there was an obstacle up ahead. How quickly does rejoicing turn to fearfulness and resentment?
God wasn’t surprised that there was a “seemingly” impassable sea in front of them. I’m not sure you realize this, or maybe you don’t think about things the way I do, but He took them that way on purpose. He knew He was going to open the sea and dry up the land so that Israel could walk through safely to the other side. He knew if He took them any other way that they might have a chance to turn back. We know now, but He knew there were highly traveled military roads that Israel would have to cross if they went another route. He knew they would be afraid and go back to Egypt. He took them by way of the Red Sea purposefully. Pause and think about this.
Is God leading you? Is He truly your Lord and Master? And are you submitted to His leadership? Then sometimes you have to go through. How quickly did your rejoicing turn to fear or resentment when you came up against an impassable situation?
He doesn’t want you to go around, there’s dangerous divisions and obstacles on a different route. He wants you to go through. As David proclaimed, “yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”. There are seasons of walking through. He has lead you this way. This is His plan and He wants you to trust Him to hold back the waters.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.” Isaiah 43:2
His way is through those trials. It is not for nothing. He has a purpose. He wants you to walk through that Red Sea. I know it’s scary and it seems impossible. But you can’t go back, it’s dangerous. Besides, there’s nothing in Egypt for you. Stay on the course that He has for you. Are your watching?
He’s opening a place for you to walk through. Trust His Word. He will do what He said He would do and He is leading you into a better place. This is all part of the process of refining. Wait on Him until He says “GO”. I know it’s scary. Trust Him to hold back the water. He will go with you. He walks before you and He knows the way. The water will not harm you. You will walk on dry land. There’s a victory ahead and you will see first hand His might. You will have a powerful testimony of the greatness and glory of God.
Keep walking.
You’re almost on the other side.
Stay the course He is leading.
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