Many times, we are faced with the decision to either express our frustrations or continue moving forward. There are numerous challenges that we may struggle to handle independently. However, God is always aware and nothing that the enemy throws our way catches Him off guard. Faith should teach us that the challenges we meet on our journey may very well be part of the divine plan.
Like the Israelites, who were afraid of facing the Red Sea, God told them to stop being afraid and make a move forward. (Exodus 14:15).
The Israelites could have taken a different route to avoid the Red Sea. They had another route available, which happened to be shorter – the way through the land of the Philistines. God, in His infinite wisdom, led them down a path that ultimately brought them to the Red Sea (Exodus 13:17-18). Why would God do this?The answer to this is found in the truth that God knows what we do not know and sees what we do not see. He understands that the most direct path may not always be the most optimal choice. In God’s wisdom, it was crucial for the young nation of Israel to steer clear of war in her early stages.
In Exodus 13:18, it is mentioned that Israel left Egypt prepared for battle. However, God did not permit them to engage in warfare right away, as He was aware of their limitations. This is very instructive; God is not a coward, nor are we, but wars are to be fought only when they are necessary. It is not spirituality to be a war freak, looking for fight and unwarranted warfare when one can dwell in peace and enjoy same. Being a spiritual war monger doesn’t in any way mean we are spiritual. Wisdom teaches us to fight only the battles that are necessary.
Where peace is possible without war, war should never be an option. Men who are always inclined to war would make war even in the time of peace.
I have often seen believers engage in unnecessary warfare and sometimes to their own peril. In the midst of our spiritual indiscretion and exuberant presumptions, God knows what we can or cannot handle.
David was a mighty warrior by all standards; yet he would never pursue unless God said so (1 Samuel 30:8). This point is emphasized in God’s instructions to Israel as they passed through the wilderness; “…..You are about to pass through the territory of your relatives the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, but be very careful. Do not provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, not even enough to put your foot on. I have given Esau the hill country of Seir as his own. You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’ ” (Deuteronomy 2:4-6)
It is evident that the Red Sea may have caught Israel off guard, but God was well aware of it. He had a clear plan from the start. In our daily walk with the LORD, we often encounter unforeseen challenges. Unexpected obstacles may arise, catching us off guard. They can happen early on or later down the road, but regardless, they try to rob us of our happiness and freedom. However, when faced with obstacles on the journey towards our goal, there is always a correct and incorrect way to handle them. We have the choice to react like the Israelites, expressing our emotions and grievances, or we can follow Moses’ example and face the obstacle head-on, trusting in God’s presence with us.
It’s important to remember that complaining or regretting our decisions, especially when we know they were guided by God, is never the right course of action.
But like we saw in the story of Israel and the Red Sea, God could be vey well present and yet refuse to manifest that presence. And one element that prevents God from showing His face is the ease with which we complain and grumble over unexpected seemingly unpleasant occurrences. When we remain in the house of doubt, fear and unbelief, God hides His face. It is instructive that all the while the congregation of the children of Israel wept before the LORD, Heaven kept silent over them. That silence was not to be broken until one man (Moses) rose up to the challenge to speak the right thing (Exodus 14:14). We are never going to get results simply because we did the many wrong things that the vast majority of people are doing; we would get results only because we do the one right thing that only a few knows how to do. Life is not about the pattern set by the multitude; there are often many more wrong people in life than there are right people. For as long as Israel kept weeping, lamenting and saying the wrong things, they were never going to get past the hurdle. God is not moved by our complains, He is moved by our courage; He doesn’t ever respond to our fear, He honours our faith.
At the bank of the Red Sea, we observe two operational dimensions. The children of Israel were in tears, as they believed that their end was near. Moses faced a similar situation, but his approach was entirely distinct. Moses’ words are highly instructive and serve as a powerful example of the attitude we should adopt in the face of unexpected challenges. It’s surprising that Pharaoh, who urgently asked Israel to leave his land, would even consider chasing after them. Surprisingly, God played a role. I believe that God is involved whenever our Pharaoh’s heart becomes hardened. Instead of complaining, we should patiently wait to see what God has planned. This is precisely what Moses had requested from his congregation. As Moses faced the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s approaching army, he held unwavering faith in God’s plan. He confidently proclaimed that a remarkable miracle was brewing and would soon manifest.
Moses’ admonition to Israel was “Do not 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) This is huge! We aren’t going to see the hand of God in our matters until we are firmly resolved. God can’t help you go forward until you firmly resolve to.
The energy of the Spirit comes only to those who have a clear direction or focus in mind. The LORD would only fight for you when your turn your fear into faith.
God’s prophetic instruction to us is for us to ignore the barrier, get past the hurdle and set at naught the limitations. There is a miracle stick in your hand whose power is only activated when your fears turn into faith. And as for the Red Sea on your way, thou shall surely divide it.
God bless you
Pastor Jerry Orhue
Senior Pastor, Gracevine Chapel
For more sermon notes by Pastor Jerry Orhue, please visit https://www.gracevinechapel.org/notes-devotionals/
