LEARNING DAILY

 

Hebrews 11:29, It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians followed, they were all drowned. (NLT)

 

Moses has led the Hebrews out of Egypt.  Pharaoh has given his consent for them to leave; he has been broken by the plagues and the death of his son.  But God once again hardens his heart and he regrets that decision.  He gives chase and finds the Hebrews camped by the Red Sea.  (The account is found in Exodus 14.)  Imagine for a moment that you are in that Hebrew encampment and see Pharaoh and his chariots, horsemen and army coming toward you.  But you have nowhere to go because on the opposite side you have the Red Sea.  Many scholars would have you believe that the Red Sea at this point was not very deep and could easily be crossed.  My thought is even if that were true, the sea floor would present serious difficulties in crossing it.

 

Read Moses’s words to them, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again.  The Lord Himself will fight for you.  You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense.” (Exodus 14:13-14, NLT).  Here is an encouraging word for each of us.  God assured these people that He would fight for them but they would have to show their faith by moving toward the Red Sea.  God fights for His people – that would include you and me – as we walk in faith (on the narrow way) and live obediently to His Word. 

 

We live in a time of tremendous uncertainty.  The news is full of stuff that may cause us to worry about finances, variants of covid-19, masks or no masks, fear the unvaccinated, China, North Korea, Russia, inflation.  Do I need to go on?  God led the Hebrews to the Red Sea.  He hardened Pharaoh’s heart to chase after them.  God provided a way of escape and His plan was accomplished.  Like the Hebrews of this day, God leads His people; life can be difficult because God still allows His people to face difficulties.  I read a statement that said the God who led us into a difficult situation is also capable of leading us out.  I must remind me that God is always in control of every situation; that is what the events at the Red Sea is about.  But you and I must take the step first step in faith to see that the ground is dry even when the sea is raging on each side of us.

 

Just a few more observations.  God has you and me where we are right now to fulfill His purpose(s).  I have heard that we face one of three situations.  We have just gone through a difficulty or are going through some difficulty or you are about to go through a difficulty.  I believe that to be true.  When you are going through a difficult situation acknowledge the enemy; but keep your eyes on God!  Your confidence, your faith must not waver if God does not act on your behalf right away.  It has been said God is never late – trust Him that He is working for the best out come for you and that He receives glory during the process.  The Red Sea demonstrates that even in the most challenging of circumstances, God promises to make a way out of the situation.

 

Whatever you are facing today, place your faith in God providing the answer.  When you have gone through a difficulty praise Him and thank Him for your provision.  The Hebrews got on the other side of the Red Sea and saw the destruction of the Egyptian chariots and army and quickly sang praises to the one who brought them through this situation.  For the moment their faith was increased.  May your faith grow in God for His faithfulness to you.