LEARNING DAILY

 

Exodus 14:13-15, Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the people to get moving!” (New Living Translation)

 

I never grow tired of the events that took place at the Red Sea when the Hebrews who had left Egypt were caught between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. There is always something new to learn and a new application. To understand the verses above, place yourself in the situation these people were facing; they had no where to run in order to escape the Egyptians. Can you feel their panic, their fear, their helplessness in the situation? Had they not just experienced God’s protection as the death angel went through Egypt? Their salvation from the death angel had now become fear and grumbling caused by unbelief and lack of confidence that the Lord would deliver them. Moses had to address them, reminding them that God would fight for them.

 

Before we are too critical of the Hebrews, take a moment to think back to what you did when confronted with something that caused you real anxiety. How did you react to something happening in your life that was beyond your control? Did you look for a place to run in order to escape or did you stand with complete trust that God was in complete control and would fight for you?

 

Contrary to what some of my contemporaries thought, I really did try to prepare my teams for whatever situations they might face. I tried to prepare students in my classes to face the challenges I knew they would face when they graduated and had to face the world. But there came a point when I could do no more. I had to trust God to use the abilities of the players to accomplish our goals when difficulties happened. I had to give students over to the Lord believing they would turn to Him for guidance and protection.

 

That brings us to the last verse; God’s instruction was for the people to get moving, go forward. Israel was facing the Red Sea but that was no problem for God. He wanted the people to move toward it in faith that He was going to provide a way for them and He would fight for them. That is still His desire for you and me today. When we face a situation that seems impossible, we are not to be overcome by fear and start complaining and blaming God. No, we need to follow Him in obedience and faith, leaving the outcome to Him. When fear begins to overtake us, we need to remember to stay calm and know that the Lord Himself will fight for us.

 

Let me close with some words from Psalm 46:1-2, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and the mountains be carried into the sea.” God will be near His people with help and comfort when we face the uncertainties life brings into our path!