During the school holidays, we drove out to the seaside town of Scarborough on the northeast coast of England. As we walked along the beach, we were fascinated by the sight of all the boats stranded in the harbor. The tide was out and the boats stood upright in the sand. Anyone wanting to navigate one of them would have to wait for the powerful, surging waters of the tide to come in again.
The Israelites were deeply relieved to see the waters of the Red Sea recede by God’s power, enabling them to step onto dry land and cross safely to the other side (Exodus 14:22). As they faced the raging waters, they looked back and saw the Egyptian army in pursuit. Pharaoh had obviously changed his mind about allowing his massive workforce to leave (Exodus 14:5-9).
Fearing they’d be slaughtered, they cried, “Why did you bring us out here to die? . . . It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!” But Moses encouraged them, saying: ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. . . . The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm’ (Exodus 14:11-14). As Moses raised his hand over the sea, God opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind, turning the seabed into dry land. “So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!” (Exodus 14:22).
The Israelites chose to trust in God and His power. It was their only hope. Today you might be feeling like a ship stuck in the sand or you could be happily sailing through life. Wherever you are, take to heart that God is with you and you can call out to Him anytime. His power and presence will help you navigate life’s ever-changing waters.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 2:1-12
More:
Read Colossians 1:15-20 and consider what it reveals about God’s power and how we were created for Him.
Next:
Do you need God to help guide you through a desperate situation? How can you rely on His power and presence more deeply?
Gary Shultz on June 12, 2017 at 5:52 am
Hi Ruth: I’m sure the question is asked for those who find themselves in a desperate situation for answers and encouragement. And we all know we will all be there at some time or other, it’s just when. Those times do make us see life with wide eyed panic sometimes, as the nation of Israel. Often different than the Exodus account, we must go through those desperate times, to be sure God is with us, but the water opening is not always where the path leads. As you would advise also, be guided by God at all times and draw very close in times of difficulty. These times make us run to Him often, and He will not leave us. Thank God he knows the outcome by His eyes not ours. Sometimes to sail again we just need to be docked in deeper waters. Thanks Ruth
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on June 12, 2017 at 4:03 pm
Yes Gary, when we are sailing on smooth seas, with the sun shining brightly down on us and the world feels as it should be, it is then that we should enjoy our rest, delight in the moment, but also make sure we are prepared for stormy seas and wilderness days – going deep in God’s Word.
corgimom on June 12, 2017 at 6:10 am
This is one of my favorite passages in the OT. “The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Just stay calm.” What are the “Egyptians” I’m facing in my life today? I know it differs from day to day but if I just have faith in our Almighty God, stay calm, and stay close to the source of all power, those “Egyptians” will be defeated to the glory of God. Praise the Lord! Thank you for reminding me of this promise!
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on June 12, 2017 at 4:09 pm
Hi corgimom. I find it very difficult to ‘stand still and stay calm’. When the challenges of life press in around me, my instinct is often to ‘do something’. Jesus knew we struggled with this that’s why we are reminded to ‘cast our cares on Him, for He cares for us’ and, ‘be anxious about nothing.. but present your requests to God’. I can ‘wait’ and ‘rest’ in Him and through Him.
leenae on June 13, 2017 at 2:54 am
Thank you corgimom! I have never noticed that promise: “The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Just stay calm.” You will never see again… that is a great promise. There is so many challenges in forgetting and letting go in life… But in the middle of all, we can stay calm. God is fighting for us. <3
don777 on June 12, 2017 at 6:28 am
Feelings don’t always line up with Truth. Mark 9:24 (NKJV) 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” So I choose to follow Truth whether i feel like it or not. +>i
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on June 12, 2017 at 4:13 pm
Absolutely don777. Feelings can be powerfully deceptive. Only our close walk with Jesus, through His Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit can we apply truth to our feelings.
i trust jesus on June 12, 2017 at 7:25 am
Excellent point don777
minkjh on June 12, 2017 at 1:30 pm
Precious words for today, Ruth. Why is it when we find ourselves ‘trapped between Migdol and the sea’ in times of testing that we often capitulate to our own inadequate feelings and solutions instead of standing firm and seeing the salvation of the Lord? May our faith always be resolute and trusting in His power to deliver according to His will.
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on June 12, 2017 at 4:16 pm
Amen minkjh. May we always recall the goodness of the Lord and His faithfulness in our lives. May we not have so short a memory that we easily forget His great grace, mercy and love toward us. And let us always remember that He does indeed ’cause everything to work together for our good’.