“The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.“
Exodus 14: 14
Keeping Hope
Today I write this blog with some hesitation, and extreme sensitivity. There are a lot of hurting and suffering people around me, and in the world today. But we all must keep hope in the fore front of our minds because without it, there will seem to be no purpose in life, when in fact there is.
God Delivers From The Egyptians
There is a story in the Bible that has been on my heart for the past couple of weeks. You can find it in the book of Exodus. It’s the story of how God delivered the Israelite people after being enslaved for 430 years, while living in the land of Egypt.
After ten devastating plagues sent from God, Pharaoh finally released the Israelites from their toilsome labor. However, it wasn’t long before he changed his mind and pursued them with six hundred of his best chariots. (Exodus 14:5-9)
The Bible says Pharaoh was approaching the people of Israel while they were encamped by the sea. And this was their reaction;
“the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, ‘Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”
Exodus 14:10-12
Experiencing Human Anquish
In that scripture, we can certainly hear and feel the human anguish they were experiencing. But on the other hand, it would be easy for us to judge them too. After all, they did complain while being enslaved, and God delivered them through numerous miracles. Now, after all God did for them; they are wishing they were back in Egypt.
But in their defense, can you imagine the fear they felt as their feet touched the massive body of water that was right in front of them?
When Your Options Seem Limited
I suppose in their mind they only had 2 options: The first option was to continue walking forward and drown. The Second would be; to stay where they were and be killed, or taken back to a life of abuse and slavery.
What they were seeing and feeling at the time was undeniable. However, listen how Moses responds to their concerns;
“Moses answered the people, ‘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 need only to be still.“
Exodus 14:13&14
But When Our Fear Continues Keep Trusting
As history goes, God then directs Moses to raise his staff over the Red Sea to divide the waters. In doing so, the sea is parted and the Israelites continued walking away from their enemy. Nevertheless, their fear did not subside. They had two huge walls of water on each side of them, and their enemy was pursuing them close behind.
Keep Hoping Until God Intervenes
Yet, God protected them and prevailed by swallowing the enemy up as He closed the sea behind His people, causing every Egyptian to perish.
Maybe you’re feeling like the Israelites did all those years ago. Like them, you’re facing that impossible situation all around you, and it’s causing you to question God’s decisions.
Who Or What Are Your Egyptians? God Is Greater Than Them All
If that’s you today, apply the words of Moses to your life. Know that the God of the Israelites wants to be your God today. Don’t be afraid. Be still, see, and feel His deliverance. Deliverance from your pain, addiction, questioning, financial burdens; whatever the Egyptian’s of their day represents for you today.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He’s a God who sees, feels and knows your hurt. His love for you is immeasurable, and He wants you to trust Him and rest in Jesus today.
Worship Is A Tool God Uses To Encourage And Strengthen Us
Often when I’m going through difficult times, God uses worship music to encourage and strengthen me. “Take Courage” (by Kristene DiMarco / Bethel Music) is one of the songs I frequently listen to. Hopefully, it will help strengthen you as well.
Thanks for reading, and feel free to comment.
