Exodus 14 gives the account of the Israelites leaving Egypt and getting to the Red Sea. In verse 8, it says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he chased after “the people of Israel, who left with fists raised in defiance” (NLT). As they walked out of town, they had their fists up in celebration and in victory. For 430 years they had been there. God had finally heard their cries and came to their rescue.
That victory stance suddenly changed when they saw Pharaoh and his army bearing down on them. They went from a victory mindset to a victim mindset in an instant. They quit celebrating and started bellyaching. They complained to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness?” They are like so many of us who forget what God has already done for us. We lose sight of the past in light of the present. We are all guilty of doing this at times.
Moses spoke to them words that we need to hear when our faith turns into fear. Verses 13 and 14 say, “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.” Great words spoken by God to us in whatever we are facing. Don’t be afraid. Watch the Lord rescue you. The Lord will fight for you. Just stay calm. I believe God is trying to tell us the same thing.
I don’t know what you’re up against today, but it’s no match for what God can do. I don’t know how trapped you feel, or how much your back is up against a wall, but if God can part the Red Sea, He can make a way where there seems to be no way. Your situation only seems big because you’re looking at it from the wrong perspective. Yes, it’s huge compared to you, but next to God, it’s pretty small and not that complex. Don’t be afraid. Just stay calm. God is already working on your behalf. Trust Him to do what only He can do.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Throwback Thursday is a feature I’m using to help build some margin into my schedule to pursue other ventures. Each Thursday I’ll be bringing you a previously written devotional that still speaks encouragement to us from God’s Word.
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 
It’s so easy to lose sight of the past in light of the present, and the opposite is also a reality. The words of Moses still apply: just stay calm and look for God to act. AMEN!
How quickly we forget, but thank God He continues to show up and act. Journaling helps us remember all God has done.
Perfect and timely Word from God. Expecting God to still part seas. I used that word “trapped” the other day to describe how I was feeling. I have hardly ever used that word or even felt that way. No escape. But God. He’ll part the sea, kill Goliath, put you in an ark, place an Angel in the fire with you to protect you, cause your enemies to turn on each other, multiply the fish and loaves, calm the sea, raise the dead, restore sight, forgive, redeem, provide a peace that surpasses all understanding. That’s our God and on whom my eyes need to be.
I’ve had the song “Way Maker” in my head this week. Way Maker, miracle worker, promise keeper. That’s who He is!