The Value of Red Sea Experiences

 

As a child, I never liked the game of chase. Because others did, I played it, but I never liked it. There was something futile about running around in circles only to be conquered by a tap if I was lucky or hurled to the ground if my opponent was overly zealous. If that was not enough, I knew it would be my turn to do the same to someone else when conquered. For someone who valued personal space, such aggressive, direct contact in the chase game made me apprehensive, stressed, and not fun in my books.

One of the all-time greatest games of chase occurred in the Old Testament book of Exodus. God hand-picked Moses, a man of few words and most likely a nonchase player, to lead the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt. It was not a task that was to be easily accomplished, for Pharaoh promised and refused to do that many times over, so God sent vile plagues upon the land until the Pharaoh could no longer stand the consequences. The horrific happenings hit a little too close to home when the Pharoah's own son was struck dead. This got the leader's attention, and he let the people go. Yet again, he changed his mind when he realized he had lost his workforce. Who would make the countless bricks he had the Israelites making? With six hundred men driving his best chariots, Pharoah set out to capture the children of Israel and return them to Egypt to once again be in the bondage of slavery.  With the Egyptian chariots on their heels, the Israelites were kicking up the dust as they ran for their lives. In such a moment of desperation, I'm sure some were thinking that returning to their life of slavery seemed better than the unknown and the possibility of dying in the desert. Yet they continued to follow Moses to the banks of the water where this Red Sea moment got real!

God commanded Moses to stretch out His staff over the sea when all hope seemed lost. The most glorious display of God's grace and provisions for their safety and escape was witnessed as the waters parted. The Children of Israel walked through on dry land, and the sea swallowed up the pursuers, sparing none! All along, God had a plan. All he was waiting for was obedience from His children. The chase was over. The victory won.

Oh dear friend, are you in the midst of your own Red Sea experience? Are there things that seem relentless in their pursuit of you? Maybe it's a battle with worry, self-worth, or doubt—possibly it's a struggle with an illness, greed, a loose tongue, or dishonesty. Regardless of how it comes to us, what we allow to personally pursue us will try to consume us. Such can make us weary and tempt us to run endlessly and aimlessly to avoid being overtaken rather than stopping to invite the miracles of the master. Just as the Israelites' faith was strengthened as they saw God's protection from their pursuers, we, too, can see the work of our God if we only stop and allow him to part the waters of our struggles. 

"God is movable. He will walk before us to guide our path, beside or behind us. God has never left, nor will He leave His people." These words remind us of His constant presence and guidance in our lives, offering comfort and support in the face of our struggles.

Six hundred chariots—a formidable force—may have symbolized the Egyptians' power and might. Yet, they were just no match for our God! This victory, against such overwhelming odds, then or now, is a testament to God's power and unwavering commitment to His people. 

Red Sea Experiences strengthen and remind us to stop, stand on the shoreline of our struggles, and watch the work of the Lord happen right before our very eyes. 

"When the Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though it was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds

and return to Egypt." So God led the people around the desert road toward the Red Sea."

Exodus 13: 17-18

"Moses answered the people, "Don't 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

The battle is the Lord's, so be still and wait for Him to move.

"The Angel of God, traveling before Israel's army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel."

Exodus 14: 19-20

By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

Hebrews 11:29

photo credit: clipartlibrary.com