Forward Faith
Reflective Reading: Exodus 14
Have you ever come up against an insurmountable obstacle? That is what Moses and the children of Israel faced in Exodus 14.
Picture yourself during the time of the Exodus. Gradually, over a 400-year period, you have adopted the culture of the Egyptians. Though you are a slave, you enjoy a higher standard of living than the greatest chieftain of the Bedouins. So, in order for God to pry you loose from the “adoption” of this godless culture, it is necessary to take you into a wilderness—a wilderness requiring total trust in the provisions of an all-wise and faithful God—a wilderness that will strip you of all your “adopted idolatry”. The journey will not be an easy one, but a necessary one.
Here’s an inside look at Exodus 14,
“But the Egyptians pursued after them…And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel…were sore afraid: and they… cried out to the LORD…And they said to Moses: Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you to day: for the Egyptians whom you have seen to day, you shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you…”
What I love about this scene is the drama—and my childhood memory of Charlton Heston (from the old “Ten Commandments” movie) standing upon the rock with his rod! But Hollywood got it all wrong. The sea did not part simply because Moses lifted his rod. Note what Exodus 14:15 says,
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they move forward.”
Here we read two conditions that God sets forth in order for the sea of obstacles to part. First, we need to stop whining; complaining about our circumstances never brings comfort. God is looking for us to trust Him, especially when the going gets tough. As I write this to you, I am facing two pretty big obstacles in my life—one of them seems insurmountable. Oh, I have had my times of despair and depression about these trials, but I have found that singing praises and lifting up a heart-cry prayer for help always brings hope and unexpected relief. God is our Father and He loves us and promises to always be there for us.
The second condition set forth by God is that of taking a step in faith. God was willing to help the children of Israel, but He first wanted them to stop whining and then to “move forward”. Too often we’re waiting for God to remove an obstacle while He’s waiting for us to take the first step —of faith.
Are you facing an obstacle that seems insurmountable? Perhaps your marriage, an obstinate child, a difficult boss, an illness, or perhaps a gut-wrenching, emotional, roller-coaster ride? Whatever the trial, I encourage you not to remain paralyzed in fear, anger, bitterness or worry—stop whining and move forward! What does stepping forward look like? It might look like getting back in church; reading your Bible; memorizing Scripture; seeking out counsel from a godly mentor; forgiving an offender; talking to the person who is stressing you out; reading a book on parenting, spiritual growth, or a biography; getting rid of the TV; stop watching the news; etc … you can fill in the rest—just move forward!
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18.
“The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:19
Sincerely,
Mark Hamby
M.S., M. Div., Th. M., D. Min.
For a refreshing collection of faith-building and inspiring books, see the recommended reading below for our finest selections for boys and girls!
Recommended Reading:
Mary Jones and Her Bible (Ages 6-11)
House of Love (Ages 9-14)
The Secret Bridge (Ages 12+)
Let Go, Fenelon (Ages 12+)
