Quiet Time
Safely To The Other Side
Date: June 25, 2008
Read: Exodus 14
In this passage of scripture, after over 400 years of slavery, God has led the nation of Israel out of Egypt. The original plan was for Moses to lead them by way of the land of the Philistines (which was closer to the Promised Land), but God told Moses to go around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea.
God commanded that they camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. By this time, God had again hardened Pharaoh's heart and Pharaoh and his army were in hot pursuit of the Israelites determined to bring them back into slavery again. When the Israelites realized that Pharaoh and his army were close behind, they panicked and were extremely afraid as they cried out to the Lord.
We can't imagine how these people must have felt. Why did God not take them by a shorter route? Why are they now going to have to cross the Red Sea? Why has God allowed Pharaoh's army to overtake them? Doesn't God care? After all they've gone through, is God going to allow them to be killed out here in the wilderness? So many fears and doubts. But wait - God is in control!
The Lord God caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. The children of Israel walked safely to the other side and as Pharaoh and his army entered into the sea, it closed around them and not one of them remained. The Israelites were saved and God received all the glory and honor. Now the Israelites believed the Lord.
Are we really any different than the Israelites? How many times do we become impatient with God when He takes us on the longer route. We must accept the path that He has placed us on. After all, He knows the way! Do you feel He's not listening? Sometimes God's silence is a way of letting us grow. God is working His good purpose in our lives if we will just let Him and He will bring us through to the promised land. Praise God!
Published: June 25, 2008
Author: Marilyn Williams