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It’s likely a familiar story, but stick with me. Let’s imagine ourselves there with the Israelites at this impending battle scene. Lately I’ve been thinking about story of the Israelites when they escaped Egypt–such a miracle and relief!–only to turn around and see the entire Egyptian chariot-force bearing down on them from behind. And the formidable Red Sea loomed in front of them! So they did what I think we all would do: panic! They “were terrified and cried out to the LORD for help” (Ex. 14:10).
A couple of thing happened next. First, God told them to break camp, which essentially meant: get packed up and get ready. Next, He told Moses to lift up his staff and divide the sea to make a path of dry ground. Then, God provided protection by way of a cloud between the Israelites and Egyptians (thankfully it was a thick, miraculous cloud!). Finally, “the LORD drove the sea back with a powerful east wind all that night and turned the sea into dry land” (Ex. 14:21). Can you imagine the power of a wind that dried the mucky sea floor in just one night? Incredible! Once the waters were divided, they started walking on dry land “with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left” (Ex. 14:22). What an experience! A massive wall of water on each side; dry ground underfoot; and an angry, powerful army behind, held back by a miraculous cloud.
They waited for the water to pile up. God did not tell them to turn and fight (Ex. 14:21).
Then they walked, trusting God to hold back the water (Ex. 14:22).
And then they watched Pharaoh’s army come after them (Ex. 14:23).
“Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the LORD’s salvation that He will accomplish for you today. . . . The LORD will fight for you, and you must be quiet” (Ex. 14:14). They were terrified, but they obeyed. The Israelites crossed over to the other side of the Red Sea and stood their ground. “That day the LORD saved Israel” (Ex. 14:30). Not one Egyptian survived the crashing waves of the Red Sea returning to their place.
There is a repeated phrase in this Exodus story that is noteworthy and worth meditation. Three times God says, “I will gain glory for Myself” (Ex. 14:4, 17, 18). I believe this is the overarching theme of the miracle–God bringing glory to Himself. Yes, they were saved; and yes, their enemies were vanquished, but more importantly: God glorified His own Name.
Let’s come back to present day. What is your battle? What sometimes-feels-horrible place do you stand in with a sea of heartache in front and an army of confusion behind? Perhaps God provides encouragement to your heart with this story: “Just wait, get ready and see what I will accomplish for you. Just walk forward, even if it’s a terrifying path. Just watch and see what I will do to bring glory to Myself.” Sometimes we have to do the crossing first. We first have to wait, walk and watch before God in His sovereignty will do the saving. What awaits on the other side of our crossing? A God who is glorified–the highest honor to which we can give our lives–and for ourselves, a deeper trust in God and a greater fear of the LORD. “When Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him” (Ex. 14:31).
“Come and see the wonders of God;
His acts for humanity are awe-inspiring.
He turned the sea into dry land,
and they crossed the river on foot.
There we rejoiced in Him. . . .
Blessed be God!
He has not turned away my prayer
or turned His faithful love from me”
(Psalm 66:5-6, 20).
*Bible quotations from the CSB version
Your writing is always thought-provoking and leaves me with something to take away and ponder. I feel like I am reading a devotional when I read your posts sometimes. Thank you for sharing the words from you heart with us.
Thank you for your kind words! Much love…Jana
Thank you, Jana. Your reflective thoughts, and challenging yet encouraging words are beautiful and so edifying. <3
Thank you so much, Charity. It means so much to me that you would take time to read and to comment. Much love…Jana