Egypt versus The Red Sea

Exodus14:13a And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will accomplish for you today.”

In the spring some of us celebrated the Biblical feast called Passover. We all know well the story of Passover where the children of Israel were delivered out of the bondage of Egypt. The excitement of the multitude mounted as they heard the devastation across the land of Egypt. Every first born not protected by the blood marking on the doorpost fell victim to the death angel. Screams of anguish rose up everywhere.

In haste the children of Israel fled the hardships and tyranny of Egypt. They were heading toward the promised land. Then they came to the Red Sea. Imagine the terror the cascading waves provoked. They felt trapped! The Egyptian soldiers pressing in from behind and the impassable sea lay ahead. What to do?

They began to murmur and question the faithfulness of God. They looked back on the old life. They lamented that Egypt would have been better than dying in the wilderness.

When we hear these very familiar accounts from the Bible we sometimes just take them for granted. I asked the Lord to show me a new insight in this account that we could relate to personally.

Have you ever faced a red sea in your life? It could be health, financial, relational or any one of a number of things that seemed impossible. You could not see any answer. Did the old life you came from suddenly look better?

I have been there. Sometimes when I think the path ahead is too impossible, or challenging, a fleeting thought comes through my head. Lord, we are supposed to be retired? Couldn’t I just take it easy, relax more, read some recreational material, prop my feet up or go over and play more with my new granddaughter? I know to take that thought captive and cast it out of my head. It is coming form the soulish realm or from Satan.

James 1:8 speaks of a double minded man and that he is unstable in all his ways.

II Timothy 4:7 admonishes us to fight the good fight of faith

Phil. 3:14 tell us to press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

We all have a call on our lives marked by the season we are in. Some may be home schooling, others are involved with nursing home visitation, or visiting shut ins, volunteer work, church ministry, or a multiple of other callings. What ever the Lord has called and designed you for do it with all your might in spite of the Red Sea that seems to block your path.

The water did not part until they stepped into it and then they saw the Lord’s glorious provision. Often when we face our red sea we are too near sighted. We only see the immediate in front of us not the big picture. Whatever the difficulty you face take a step of faith and watch for God’s provision in His time.

Robert Morgan in his book The Red Sea rules gives the following 10 suggestions for dealing with the red sea in your life.

1. Realize that God means for you to be where you are.

2. Be more concerned for God’s glory than your relief

3. Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord.

4. Pray

5. Stay calm and confident and give God time to work

6. When unsure just take the next logical step in faith

7. Envision God’s enveloping presence

8. Trust God to deliver in His own unique way

9. View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future

10. Don’t forget to praise Him