As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord… Exodus 14:10–14
Focus: Fear is real, but fear doesn’t have to determine our response.
Fear, anxiety and distrust were pulsing through the hearts of the Israelites as they fled through the desert and found themselves stuck at the Red Sea. They had trusted the Lord, but for what? In Exodus 14:10, we read that as the enemy and the oppressor advanced towards the Israelites, the people began to blame Moses and doubt God. In the months leading up to this moment, God had shown His power through the plagues that brought Egypt to its knees, culminating in the Passover and freedom for the Israelites. However, in this moment, suspended between an army and the sea, nobody paused to remember God’s faithfulness and might. All they could see was their present, and very real trial.
Reflection: Everyone has their own battles to fight. In turmoil or crisis, lives can unravel; emotions can get the best of us. Too often we try to navigate rough waters on our own, only to find we don’t have the energy or power to do so. This is when we must learn to let our faith sustain and carry us. It’s never easy. Our fears get the best of us, but “Fear is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of humanity.- Pastor Rick Warren
Prayer: Lord, sometimes fear rises quickly when we don’t know what is ahead. We can look at our circumstances and begin imagining everything that could go wrong before it ever happens. Help us recognize when fear is speaking louder than what You have already shown us.
Remind us of Your faithfulness. Help us remember what You have already brought us through. When we don’t understand what You are doing, teach us to trust You anyway.
Lord, help us not to allow fear to make decisions for us. Give us wisdom to know when to be still, when to wait, and when You are telling us to move forward. Amen.
Remember that God can turn our worst tragedies into victories. Let His grace abound in your life. -Guide Post
