How do you respond to difficulty? Are you an optimist who always finds the good or a problem-solver who creates a handful of contingency plans?
Me? I’m like Israel. My response to difficulty is usually anxiety, discouragement, and doubt. I look at the “Red Seas” of my life and cry out. For example, I recently became a homeowner. Yay! Right? Yes. But also, the journey to the closing was rough. I’m talking about five different closing dates, a two-week stay at a friend’s becoming a three-month stint, and a week where it looked like it would all fall through and I would lose all my money. After one gut-wrenching phone call with my realtor, I remember sitting in my friend’s kitchen, with my head in my hands, wondering if I had made it all up.
I imagine Israel felt the same way, but ten thousand times over with the Egyptians behind them and a literal dead end in front of them. Even if they could swim, there was no way they could swim the length of the Red Sea. Though God had shown Himself to be all-powerful, this difficulty caused them to doubt God’s ability and character, asking, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?” (Exodus 14:11).
Growing up, I often heard the saints of my childhood church sing of a God who would never forsake His people. They would belt out in three-part harmony with conviction, “I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me.” Today’s reading proves this lyric to be true. After miraculously executing the ten plagues, God didn’t lead Israel to the Red Sea to leave them. Instead, the Red Sea was purposed to be their deliverance and Egypt’s defeat. He asked them to abandon their fear and quietly watch Him fight for them.
As I sat in my friend’s kitchen, God asked the same of me. I wish I could say I responded with a resounding yes, but I honestly had no choice. My chips were in. All I could do was trust Him. I’m happy to report He did, but I’m even more delighted to say God fought for my heart to find deeper levels of trust in Him.
Leave a Reply
44 thoughts on "Escape Through the Red Sea"
Deuteronomy 20:4 (NIV)
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
Let go and let God
God will turn your dead end into a highway. All we need is faith in his love.
God will turn
The Red Sea was purposed to be their deliverance! The obstacle that is in front of us may just be Gods positioning for breakthrough, victory or protection. He allows us to walk through waters untouched & unscathed and in awe of His glory when we reach the other side.
God ‘ s faithfulness to His children will never be empty . . . He always keeps His promises && never abandons us ! what a beautiful beautiful encouragement that He never leave us && doesn’t want us to feel as if the trials we go through are who we are , He is who we should be ! ✞
❤️
God will protect his children. He is powerful and nothing is impossible for Him. I have to “let go and let God”.
This is exactly the message I needed to hear at the exact right time. I am so blessed! ❤️❤️
There are so many things about today’s reading that I find good & interesting!
-God had them turn back (14:1) to ensure that not only would they be in plain sight of the pursuing Egyptians (14:8-9), but vice-versa (14:10). They were able to see & hear their approaching enemy. The fact that the Egyptians were marching is terrifying, giving the people opportunity & time to contemplate/think about their demise.
-The people went through on ‘dry ground’ (14:16). The ground wasn’t a little dry, mostly dry, or somewhat dry. It was completely dry!
-The angel of God & the pillar of cloud moved behind them (14:19) in order to keep their enemy from seeing them & vice-versa. God protected them before & up until He even parted the Red Sea. It remained all night so that God could ‘drive the sea back by a strong east wind all night & make the sea dry land & divide the waters’ (14:21). And with 600,000+ people (12:37), it took them all night to walk through because the Egyptians couldn’t even see, let alone attempt to cross the Red Sea until morning (14:23-24). In Googling it, the Red Sea is about 1,200 miles!
-In the same way the people ‘lifted up their eyes’ (14:10) & saw their enemy approaching, they also saw their enemy ruined (14:30).
*Questions I Have About Crossing the Red Sea*
1.Who was the first person to place their foot or feet onto the dry ground? Who led the way?
2.What did it look like? Did the people walk, run, or jog through?
3.What did it sound like? Were the people singing songs? Were they dead silent? Were they talking to one another? Were they exclaiming amazement & awe at what they were seeing?
4.How narrow or wide was the divide that God created?
5.How did the people feel as they walked through?
6.What were the people thinking as they walked through?
It’s neat how God told Moses what He was going to do in ADVANCE, so that Moses could stand firm in faith and tell his people who were afraid upon seeing the Egyptians that God is going to deliver them. Then God reminded Moses what He was going to do and gave him further instructions to reach out his hand with his staff to divide the sea.
And God held back the sea for about 600,000 people AND their animals!! At least I think that’s the number.
The Egyptians acknowledged that the Lord was fighting for His people, before they perished.
“I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me.”
You didn’t come this far to come this far. If you’re still alive, there’s more to your story and God isn’t done with you yet!
======
Kathy – Praising God with you on your results! That’s great news! Thank you also for your thoughts on the reading. I’ve added it to my journal. :)
Denise Richie – I understand what you mean by “the peace you feel in difficult situations,” it’s a feeling of joy and trust that God will be there throughout and that all will be okay. “It is well with my soul…”
Sarah D – praying for peace for you as God navigates your next steps. As someone else has said, perhaps this is your Red Sea moment. Trust in Him and He will provide. Remember all the times in the past He has provided and protected you. You are in good hands.
Michelle Patire – Praise God that you and your family are safe, and that the man was captured. I pray that this incident will fill you with faith instead of fear.
=======
Still catching up, but so grateful to God and His timing. Have a great weekend!
Agree, well said Kathy.
We’re searching for a house. We were so excited to have 4x and much money this time around, so much more than when we bought our first home
Well said Kathy! Thank you!
Heidi I am reading it now!
In the margin of my Bible, next to Exodus 14, I have this note written. “I don’t have to convince God to save me. Long before I existed, before anyone existed, He’d decided to rescue us with THE mighty act of redemption that makes journeying across the Redd Sea seem like a leap across a puddle.” Then there is a reference to 1 Peter 1:20. “He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.” Next to that verse is this note: “It’s difficult to grasp the reality of ‘before the foundation of the world’ but there was indeed a time before the Earth existed. And it’s even wilder to realize that before ‘In the beginning, God created…’ ever happened, ‘Surely I am coming soon,’ had already been set in motion. ‘In the beginning, was the word.’ This word was Jesus – He was God and He was with God in the beginning. Jesus was never Plan B. He was always Plan A. He is the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together.”
God rescuing the Israelites was all part of His plan to rescue us all. As Tina said:
He has.
He will.
He ALWAYS will.
Thank you all for your prayers. My colonoscopy went well. I’m good for another 10 years!
Today’s reading was a great reminder to me of just how far I have come with dealing with difficulty. Before God a difficult situation filled me with worry, anxiety and a lot of projection. As my relationship with God has grown and deepened, my worry, anxiety and projection is much less. For a long time I used to pray for God to deepen my trust in him. I actually haven’t prayed that prayer in quite a while. I feel like I have grown and I love the peace I feel, even in difficult situations. Progress not perfection☺️
Congrats Mari! I often wonder if I made the right career choice as my field is hard to move up in (Radiation Therapist) but it’s all such a rewarding career! I hope it If I meant to change career paths God will show me the way! God always shows up.
Sarah D., as a retired teacher in California, I so understand your struggle and will pray for God’s guidance for you. Something new struck me from this verse today:
11 They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” – Exodus 14:11-12
Sarah D., as a retired teacher in California, I so understand your struggle and will pray for God’s guidance for you. Something new struck me from this verse today:
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – I read the story of David and his family. David’s father said some amazing words about not harboring anger towards the man that did this. I will keep this family in my prayers.
I certainly would not have chosen to have my son have such a rare fatal disease. But God brought us through with grace. At the time we had no idea how many we touched with our story. God never left our sides.
I’m still purposing in my heart to turn to God first in difficult times. But it has proven difficult to break the habit of turning to Little Miss Fix It rather than Prayer first.
What struck me was yet another correlation to the time when Jesus came as our redeemer:
Here in Exodus God has been showing His might and power, and is now literally amongst the people as they travel, as guide and protector! HE WAS RIGHT THERE!!! And STILL they grumbled and questioned! It reminded me of the disciples. They shared there very lives, space, routine, and ministry with THE MESSIAH, and still didn’t get it, still questioned.
It’s encouraging to know when I doubt, have fear, grumble, or simply live in my complacency, that even those who have had God in there very midst did, too. BUT GOD! His faithfulness shines when my faith is dim. His power is shown greater in my weakness. His love endures forever, great is his faithfulness!
@Sarah D – I too am praying that God will give you His perfect peace, and that He will guide you to just the right counselor that will be able to help you and that you will be able to afford.
As I think about the Red Sea that the Israelites faced, as they stood at the shore anxious, fearful, not knowing how they could possibly navigate those deep waters, waters that looked impossible and ever so frightening, I think of a family that is facing deep, deep waters right now and I ask you to please join me in praying for them. I can not imagine how they will get through, but as has been said over and over – God is merciful, faithful, gracious, compassionate, the God of all comfort.
While vacationing in Montana, David Siau along with his 18 month old daughter were shot and killed. His wife Christy & his sister Christina were also shot and are in the hospital. Their other two young children were present at this horrific scene, but were not hurt. I can not begin to imagine what this family is going through. David is from a big family with 6 siblings. He, his wife and family are believers. One of David’s sisters is a friend of our family, we did not know him personally, but prayers are coveted. There is a gofundme set up for anyone that feels led to help, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post it here but you can find it by googling his name. Much, much prayer is needed for this family. Just like the Israelites – the journey ahead will be very long, but we know God will be present for every step of the way. All your prayers will be much appreciated. “God is our refuge and strength…” Psalm 46:1
There have been many hard times that I would not have chosen, but God has used those times. I couldn’t have made it through without Him. He used so many to help me over the years. Just thinking about this brings tears and gratitude! He is amazing!
@Sarah D I will be praying for you. Did you ever think about getting certified to teach ELL students? Are there many job openings around you for this? This may be less stressful than the classroom. Just something I thought of, but I’m not sure if that’s right for you. Are there any other jobs within education that could be a focus for your studies?
Praise God for His protection @ Michelle Patire! Ladies, Praying for you all.
I NEEDED this today! I needed the reassurance! I have never doubted God‘s presence, provision or faithfulness. I know that HE is with me. I’ve taken another leap of faith. Something that for some people it’s not that hard but for me it is. I’m in the process of going back to college to earn 3 units as that is all I need to move UP at my workplace in hopes of earning a slightly better income and total different position. I’m doing this afraid. BUT GOD… as our precious Tina always says! My God goes before me. I know I can do this. I’m not that smart education wise but I’m going to trust my God that he will help me.
In each season of life I continue to learn, God is my contingency plan.
He alone knows what is best for me.
Thanking God for this Bible study.
@sarah d-praying for peace sweet sister. And thinking maybe this your Red Sea moment! Walk on. He has already made the way for every step.
Jennifer Loves Jesus, thank you for your words.
In the face of terror, the Israelites forgot how they reacted when Moses said that God would deliver them from the Egyptians and when they had seen God’s deliverance. They had responded in faith & worship. Now, they doubt & fear. When we respond to God in faith, He gives us the strength to stand firm. When we respond to God with doubts, we only have the strength to tremble with fear.
Before the parting of the Red Sea God had done everything He promised delivering the Israelites from the Egyptians yet they STILL GROANED!!! How often have I seen God move in my life, deliver me from darkness and still groan about my circumstances- what a spoiled turd!! Lord help me to focus more on gratitude than grumbling, grace than judgment and love more!!!
Lord, reward my faith, forgive my doubt! In Jesus name, Amen
MICHELLE PATIRE — thank you for sharing that story of a narrow escape. You just have to look back on that and see God’s hand of protection around your family! I had my own narrow escape 30 years ago when a man climbed through my apartment window. I won’t go into details, but by the grace of God, I escaped before being completely assaulted. I just wanted to encourage you to keep praying through your fear, praying for a relief from the anxiety that can easily come as a result of this violation. And keep in mind that, if you find that your fear becomes paralyzing, a therapist can give you many tools so that you don’t spend years living in fear, like I did. I’m so thankful you and your family were spared what could have been tremendous harm — but the resulting fear is real. You’ve got that wall of protection around you — lean into Him.
“Yahweh is a man of war” (Exodus 15:3). “Your right hand destroyed the enemy” (v 6). “Who is like You among other gods?” (v 11). This was no small “red sea moment”. This is supreme Good defeating evil in a divine display of God’s supremacy. This is where lasting hope reigns. My small story matters more when I display unshakable faith in the one true God who split the sea and delivered His people from hostile gods. This same word “schizo” was used by Mark to describe the baptism of Jesus when the heavens split apart and the Spirit descended like a dove on Him. The exodus event was deliverance from exile led by Moses. But God ultimately came to lead us out for good, Jesus was the only one who could save us perfectly. We remain imperfect, and He covers us perfectly. He covers our failure. He covers our grumbling, our wanting, our doubting, and our small seeds of faith. He takes what we have and grows a supernatural harvest from the tiny seeds we sow. “You brought them and planted them on the mountain of Your inheritance… a place You made for Yourself to inhabit” (Exodus 15:17). And so I sing to You Lord, with a dulcimer instead of a tambourine. I dance to You for Your victory over evil. You made a way where there was no other way. I pray not for an easier life, but stronger faith. Not for easier roads, but stronger shoes. Because I know that when I am weak, You are strong. I have learned that my strength comes from the tension and affliction in this life. I want anything that pushes me closer to You. There will come a day when there will be no more tears, no more pain. I hold fast to this promise and battle on for You. For Your people. Selah. Maranatha. Amen.
This whole study has been so timely. I have an upcoming interview for a job in ministry that I am simultaneously excited and anxious about. I’ve been feeling a lot like Moses in early Exodus: doubtful and feeling inadequately equipped. I am cherishing these reminders that it is God’s power that is made perfect in weakness. Even when I am shaking with fear like the Israelites, GOD SHOWS UP. Whatever the outcome of the interview, God’s plans are made perfect and He is fighting for me and the best for that ministry. There is so much peace to be found in stillness with our Mighty God!
Good morning sisters,
Jumping in to ask for prayer. I have been struggling with feeling nauseous in the mornings before going to work, and still with my anxiety during the day. I’m so tired of feeling this way and just want to feel well. Please pray I can find the help I need. I will be looking for a new counselor than the one I have had currently, as she is raising her price. Hoping to find one covered under my insurance. At this point I am open to if I need medicine. Also please pray as I am thinking about starting a masters in teaching. As of now, I don’t see any other job options, so I am thinking of taking advantage of the education benefits while I am at this job. Please pray for wisdom and peace, and that the Lord would help me juggle all of this. I am honestly slightly mad at him for making me go through this, when I feel like I am doing all the right things and trying to trust him with this. It is definitely been such a struggling time mentally for me. Love you all, thank you for your prayers!
The room my sister in is also my room! And my study desk is facing the back door. I praise God He helped me leave the house earlier yesterday so I wasn’t home for any of it.
I haven’t done the study this morning yet. I’ve been too distracted my thoughts and needed to journal, first.
A story —
After the devotional yesterday, I felt so on fire for the Lord. I felt an extra boost of love and peace from Him. I left the house a bit earlier to go to the post office to send a gift to a friend. I was finishing up my workout at the gym when I read our family group messages that our house was almost broken into. A man has gone down our street trying to break into four of the homes.
By the time my mom figured it out, he was in police custody.
The crazy part. Our back door was open- he could have walked right in, if he checked it. Instead, he went for the window next to it and our shed which is attached to the lower corner part of the house.
“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and deliver them.” – Psalm 34:7 NKJV
My sister was downstairs sleeping — He could have walked the into her room. But he didn’t try the door. My mom was upstairs and woke up because the four dogs we have were barking so intensely. The police told my mom what happened, had k9 dogs here, and collected evidence.
We don’t know why that man was running, but the police say it’s a major incident.
We live in a very quiet part of a community here in the Poconos. I’ve been sitting out on our deck actually amazed at how peaceful it’s been this week. When we moved here, the realtor mentioned it’s common practice not to lock the door. We adopted that habit — since there are so many of us, our dogs, and the community is usually so peaceful. People come here to vacation. But, you never know.
Well, we lock our doors now. By God’s grace, we all are safe.
My prayer is that I don’t let fear into my heart because of this. They found the guy’s knife in my mom’s car. We locked our cars, now, too.
God is good.
KATHY – praying for you through the colonoscopy today.
Tina, I agree with Dana! You wrote everything I would have written too! Praise God.
I have spent the last few months searching for a job in a new town and God (who knew the whole time) has led me to one! I am so thankful! I am praying for all of the requests.
Yes the miracle of parting the sea must have been an amazing sight. But the miracle of moving all the people and animals in one evening is too.
This was Israel’s birth (listen to podcast for week one) and baptism.
KATHY – praying all goes well today and you will take every thought captive.
You took the words right out of my mouth Tina!! Praise God for His Love and Faithfulness!! AMEN ❤️
I have many life stories of God fighting for me and mine. He has been so so very faithful, even when my human eyes could see no way in or out. Or the end was in my sight.. the final curtain was closing in
BUT GOD..
He could see..
..Beyond ‘the red sea’ of the situation.
..A way through.
..A new beginning, and not an end.
..A hopefilled future, wrapped in His goodness, provision, love, grace, comfort, mercy, hope with a capital H.
I can honestly say, when those ‘red sea’ moments come, my initial reaction is arms in the air, panic and heart pounding so fast, it could light a generator! But then, gathering myself together, and remembering His goodness and faithfulness of the past to me, I pray. I write. I hold fast to Him, trusting 95% and holding the other 5%, (don’t know why), whilst telling myself He, God, has got me thus far, He WILL see me through, whatever that looks like..
He has.
He will.
He ALWAYS will!
AMEN.
Happy Thursday folks, wrapped so tightly in love and hugs and prayers from across the pond!❤