Escape Through the Red Sea
Open Your Bible
Exodus 14:1-31, Exodus 15:1-21, Romans 6:1-4, Hebrews 11:29
BY Yana Conner
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.
43 thoughts on "Escape Through the Red Sea"
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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.
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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.
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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!
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@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
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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.
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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.
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