The Red Sea


As Christians, we go through a lot of trials, tribulations and circumstances, some of which require a divine miracle to get out from. You wonder why in the world God is taking a long time to bring you out of the dilemma you find yourself in. You pray, you believe, you step out on faith, doing all you can, all to no avail. And then you come to a place of realization...there is absolutely nothing you can do to get through this hurdle. It seems like you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. You wonder why God would take you through this route instead of the easiest route to your promised land. I, too, have found myself in such a place, believing for so many years concerning a situation I just can't seem to get out from. I've done all I can; I've exhausted all ideas. So, I decided to quit while I was ahead. I decided that maybe what I am believing for is not God's will for me...then I realized that quitting was not an option. God had brought me to a place that required no turning back. So, it certainly seems like I'm between a rock and a hard place. Can't go back...and can't seem to move forward, at least not in my own strength.

So, why does God do this? Why does He lead us trough the wilderness, the longest route to our promised land instead of the shortest, easiest route? The Children of Israel found themselves asking the same question in Exodus 14, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness?" (vs 11, NLT). We know their story (and if you don't, please read Exodus, specifically Chapter 13-15). After being enslaved by the Egyptians for a long time, God heard the Israelites' cries for deliverance and took action. It took a lot of convincing (plagues and all) but Pharaoh finally let the Israelites leave Egypt; but after they left, Pharaoh changed his mind and began chasing after them. God, through Moses, led them out of Egypt to the promised land and toward...the Red sea. Why? The Bible sheds light on this:

"When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, 'If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.' . So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea." (Exodus 13:17-18, NLT, italics added for emphasis)

So, in this passage of scripture, we see one reason God leads us through the wilderness to our promised land: So that when we are faced with difficulties, we don't buck under the pressure and turn back/quit. He makes it so that even if you wanted to quit, to return back to Egypt, so to speak, there would be no way you could. You would have to keep moving forward...or camp in front of the 'Red Sea', but giving up would certainly not be an option. 

Another reason God leads us through the wilderness, the longest route, is found in this passage of scripture:

“Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon. Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’ And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” (Exodus 14: 2-4, NLT, italics added for emphasis)

God took them through the wilderness to display His glory, not only to the Egyptians, but to the Israelites, and the whole world. He instructed the Israelites to camp by the Red Sea so that the Egyptians giving chase would catch up with the Israelites, and see the miracle about to take place...the parting of the Red Sea. He used the Egyptians to display His Glory, and likewise, God will use your circumstance to display His glory, not only to you, but to those in your sphere of influence. Joseph grabbed a hold of this revelation when he told his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20, NIV). That family member who doesn't believe in God will begin believing. That friend who is going through a difficult time will see God's glory displayed through your circumstance and will gain courage to believe again.

So, it may seem like you are stuck between a rock and a hard place, but you are not stuck. It may seem that way, but you aren't. Climb up the Rock of your salvation and see what God is doing through your circumstance. Moses told the Israelites, “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.” (Exodus 14:13-14). Don't panic! Remain calm, and trust God. Those who trust in the Lord will NEVER be put to shame, for God will keep them in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). It may seem like God is instructing you to camp in front of the 'Red Sea' of your life, but stand still and when God says move, move! Don't whine and complain like the Israelites did. God told Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!" (Exodus 14:15, NLT). Get moving, saints! God will make a way through the 'Red Seas' of your life. God is saying, "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19, NLT).

Your circumstance and seeming dilemma requires a divine miracle...and God is certainly able to deliver. Let Him!

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