The story of God parting the Red Sea
illustrates an important principle. God delights in revealing Himself to His
children, but few people have a life-changing encounter with God when life is
going well. Encounters with God often happen in the midst of life’s dilemmas,
when you are trapped in a tight corner. It is then that you are likely to
encounter God’s character in the most profound way, and God will use your
dilemma to reveal His splendor and glory.
When
the Israelites left Egypt, God deliberately led them in the opposite direction
from the Promised Land. This situation was the perfect setting for God to
demonstrate His glory, splendor and majesty. Through delivering them, God’s
name would be praised forever.
From
a military point of view, God’s strategy was foolish. Just when the Israelites
were dreaming of starting a new life in the Promised Land, God hardened
Pharaoh’s heart and he pursued them. They were caught between Egypt’s army and
the Red Sea. The Israelites were powerless to fix their problem and they needed
divine intervention. They were terrified and cried out to God in their
distress. Humanly speaking, there was no way out. But God had ordained this
dilemma to teach them a lesson they would never forget.
Situations
like this are fertile ground for a God-encounter. God may permit fiery trials,
events and circumstances to teach you to depend upon God like never before. The
purpose of the Red Sea experience is to teach you, when you can’t find your way
out, to look to God! Let Him fight on your behalf. God will make a way! He is a
Way Maker!
Moses
told the people to be still and let the LORD fight for them. By faith the
Israelites crossed the Red Sea, one step of faith after another. Lo and behold,
the waters parted and God made a way for the Israelites to walk on dry ground.
Then the pillar of cloud, the visible sign of God’s presence, moved from the
front, leading and guiding the Israelites, to the rear, shielding them from
their enemies. And the Egyptians drowned in the sea. Not one of them survived!
When
you are going through a crisis, it’s hard to be still. Whatever enemies you may
be staring at, let God take them on! If He is fighting for you, then you have
nothing to fear. Be still, wait for direction from the Lord, then obey God even
in the face of chaos. Victory will be yours.
Without
faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is utmost confidence in God and His
character. Your faith becomes a channel for God to work. Believe that God will
stay true to His promises. As a follower of Christ you have an enemy who, like
a roaring lion, seeks to devour you. If God is not in front of you, He will be
behind you, shielding you from your enemies. His presence comes in between. He
becomes your shield.
The
Red Sea Crossing became a historic marker, a milestone. The OT writers kept
going back to this event over and over to highlight God’s miraculous powers
against seemingly impossible odds! Looking back, the Israelites could see that
their dilemma served as an opportunity to see God’s hand.
What
dilemma are you facing today? Your situation is a perfect opportunity for God
to display His mighty power—a platform for God to display His glory. God is a
Way Maker. Let Him fight your battles! Let Him make a way for you! Your faith
will never be the same.