Just Stay Calm

Then the LORD gave these instructions to Moses: “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon. Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’ And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told. [Exodus 14.1-4]

I guess I used to think that it was a dilemma when Israel was trapped at the Red Sea. The scripture above however is evidence that the Red Sea event was planned all along by God!

God knew Pharaoh was have a relapse of hard-heartedness toward Him and His people. God knew that for millennia to follow this event would provide encouragement and assurance to those Who would seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness.

I simply love this record that says Israel had to "turn back" in order to get into their precarious position by the Red Sea! It looked like Moses and Israel committed a foolish military move by purposefully positioning themselves to be hemmed in with no route of escape.

Isn't that just like God though? Just to prove that He alone is in control, He puts us in positions where there is simply no where to go so as to unequivocally reveal His absolute sovereignty in our deliverance.

Israel was alarmed when they realized their vulnerable position, but look at what Moses told them:

But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” [Exodus 14.13-14]

The rest is history.

Just stay calm. Oh, that we would listen to those words today!

Father, in my own 'hemmed-in' position today, I am determined to stand still and watch YOU rescue me!