| Exodus 13:17-15:18; Matthew 21:23-46; Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 6:16-19
“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road to the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearby; for God said, ‘The people will change their minds and return to Egypt if they face war.’ So He led the people around toward the Red Sea along the road of the wilderness. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt in battle formation.” (Exodus 13:17-18)
I ain’t sayin’ God’s tricky but He did pull a fast one on the Israelites. He knew if they were confronted by war in an open area fear would grip them and they would run back to Egypt. So the Lord devises a plan to bring them through the wilderness knowing that at some point they will be trailed by Pharaoh which is just as dangerous.
When we become born again we’re all excited about our newfound freedom and blessings, not yet realizing the Lord has placed a demand on our lives. Like the Israelites, this great call is to bring Him recognition and glory. In order for Him to receive these things He uses our lives as a showcase for His great power. God didn’t allow them to face their enemy in a place where they would run like cowards, He kind of set them up for a grand showdown.
We never know the things we will face in life. The Hebrews who were rescued from slavery and hardship didn’t see the Red Sea fiasco coming. God led them along a path where there was nowhere to run. Pharaoh had a change of heart about letting them go and followed hard after them till he caught up. At this time they are trapped between the Red Sea and Egypt’s army with nowhere to hide. God allows these types of things to happen in the lives of all of His people. The next time you think to yourself, “Hey, I didn’t sign up for this!” just remember it’s the “backed up against the wall” stuff that makes us stand our ground, it causes us to trust Him, to know in the future that He is faithful and will never lead us where He will not take care of us.
“The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people.” (13:21-22)
Actually in Chapter 14 the cloud did move. It moved behind them to put a barrier between God’s people and their enemies. Never be afraid! Never back down! And never give up!
PRAYER:
Father, help me to always trust that You are with me. I know by faith that the same pillar that guided and protected the Hebrews is here for me. I love You and I appreciate everything You are and everything You do. There is no god like my God! I speak peace over my life and I pray You will receive all of the glory. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
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