“My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” —Psalm 121:1–2
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” —Psalm 27:1
Welcome, friend. 🙂 Let’s take a quiet moment together.
Are you between a rock and a hard place? That phrase came to mind as I was reading Exodus 14.
The Israelites had left Egypt, and God led them to camp in a place that seemed like a complete trap. The Red Sea lay ahead, impassable mountains to the right and left, and behind them, the dust rose from the pounding hooves of their enemies’ horses as they closed in. Fear must have set in as they faced this seemingly desperate situation. Nowhere to turn, no escape!
Are you feeling like one of these Israelite women today? Do you feel there is no way out or around a difficult situation in your life? Exodus 14:1–2 tells us that God led His people to this very place. Why does God allow dire, seemingly hopeless situations to come into our lives?
Closing my eyes, I put myself in the place of one of those Israelites. Fear within me, fear and chaos all around me. No way out, no open path of escape.
But then I look up. The cloud of light, the Lord’s presence, begins to move. With my eyes fixed on that cloud, I watch as it moves between me and the pursuing enemy. Now I see only the light of His presence before me. I remember His faithfulness in bringing me out before, and I trust that He will bring me through again. My sense of hopelessness begins to lessen as the trial is hidden from my view.
I hear His promise:
“Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you.” — Exodus 14:13
God had a plan. He would not leave His chosen people stranded. He would show His faithfulness and work mightily on behalf of those He loved. He alone had the way of escape—and what an amazing way out it would be! They could never have imagined what God was about to do. The sea miraculously parted, and every Israelite walked safely to the other side on dry land!
I’m reminded of a verse from John Michael Talbot’s song “The Battle Belongs to the Lord.”
“When your enemy presses in hard, do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage, my friend, your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord.”
The Lord desires that you and I, those He loves, trust Him, keep our eyes on Him, and watch for His way forward as we sing:
“Glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord
We sing, glory, honor, power, and strength to the Lord.”
The Lord sees your situation. He hears your prayers, and He knows the way forward, even when you cannot see it. Wait faithfully, with praise in your heart, and keep your eyes on Him as you watch for His answer.
