Exodus 14

The Israelites were fleeing Egypt. The Red Sea was before them, the Egyptians were at their back. There was nowhere to go. The situation was hopeless and the end was obvious. It was not humanly possible to escape from this circumstance.

I attended services today at both Trinity and County Line, and interestingly enough, both sermons were based on Exodus 14. As a matter of fact, just a little over the past year, Exodus seems to be such a recurring focus in my life that I've begun to wonder if there isn't something there that I need to learn. But for the life of me, I can't figure it out.

Exodus 14:13,15 "Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today..." "Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on."

Maybe it's as simple as that. There is a destination. There seems to be no way to get there. It's humanly impossible to escape from the circumstances that stand in the way of the journey's end. And yet...God told them stand firm, quit complaining, move on.

The Israelites were not on their own journey. They didn't choose their destination. I don't recall that they specifically asked Moses to lead them out into the desert. As a matter of fact, they often complained to Moses that they had asked him to leave them alone in Egypt. They had groaned to God, but they didn't seem all that motivated to actually want to leave Egypt, they just wanted an easier life.

But God had planned their destination hundreds of years earlier, God had even planned the method and the circumstances. All God asked was that they trust Him, rest in His care, and move forward.

Heavenly Father,
As a tree drops it's leaves in fall to rest, and become stronger over the storms of winter, there is trust that you will bring new life and fresh growth in its time. Let me rest in You and wait patiently looking forward to the hour you have appointed for fresh growth.