Crossing the Red Sea

"Do not be afraid or discouraged...for the battle is not yours but God's."  from 2 Chronicles 20:15

"The Lord your God himself will fight for you."  Deuteronomy 3:22b

The Israelites were really hemmed in.  The Red Sea was before them.  Rugged mountain ranges were on each side.  And Pharaoh's army was rapidly closing in on them from the rear.  We might say they found themselves "between the devil and the deep Red Sea."  The Israelites were terrified.  They did not know that God had already planned a miraculous escape for them.  Moses told them what to do, and it is good advice for us as well when we are in a seemingly impossible situation.  He said,  "Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still."   Exodus 14:13-14.  My mother-in-law used to say,  "Hush yo’ fuss!"  That's the general idea here.  The verb translated "be still" also has the connotation of keeping silent.  Ceasing to grumble or complain can go a long way toward helping find a way out. Recognizing our weakness and turning quietly to God in faith and hope is the surest path to deliverance and victory.

When we are hemmed in, the world watches us to see what will happen, to see how we will react and what God will do.  This is a tremendous opportunity for us to display our faith and for God to reveal His faithfulness.

God caused a cloud to come between the Israelites and the Egyptian army, obscuring one from the other in order to protect His people.  Then He caused the wind to blow all night, pushing back the water of the Red Sea and making a path through it.  Apparently the wind had the effect of a giant hair dryer, because the Israelites crossed on dry land rather than sloshing through mud.

Some people say the Red Sea was only a foot or two deep, and the Israelites merely waded across.  If that were the case, the miracle would be that God drowned an entire army in such shallow water!

When we are in a tight spot, it is very encouraging to remember all the times that God has delivered us in the past.  And when God delivers us, we should always remember to praise and thank Him for what He has done for us.

Father, thank You for all the times You have come to our rescue when we have been in tight places.  Thank You for Your love and Your faithfulness.  May we always trust You and find peace in You.  Amen.