It sounds really cool, but it was probably a little
scary. We don’t know exactly how it
happened or what it looked like, but we can imagine. In fact, when we visited Universal Studios in
Florida recently, we got a little taste of what it might have been like. We went through the Poseidon’s Adventure
attraction, and there is a point where a door opens up and you have to walk
through a tunnel with water swirling up the sides and overhead. You go through on “dry ground,” but you can
hear the rush of air and water all around you, and you can feel the mist on
your face and arms as you walk through.
It must have been like that for the Israelites. The ground was dry, but I believe that they
still felt the effects of the water piled high on either side of them and the
wind that was holding it back. They had
to feel a certain degree of confidence given the miracle that was evident all
around them. But, they could also hear Pharaoh’s
army quickly approaching behind them; so, their faith may have been mingled
with fear.
I guess this has been on my mind recently because I’m
feeling a lot like the Israelites in the middle of the Red Sea. I’m heading in a new direction in my life
right now, and I’m leaving the comfort of the familiar behind. I feel confident in the direction. In fact, I’ve been reassured by these
scriptures over and over again:
Psalm 139:4-6: “ Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You
hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such
knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”
Isaiah 52:11-12: “Depart, depart, go out from there! ... for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”
I know that the Lord is going before me and preparing the
way – just like He went before the Israelites and parted the Red Sea. And, I can feel His presence behind me,
protecting me from any danger that might try to sneak up on me – just like He came along behind the
Israelites and let the Red Sea crash in on Pharaoh and his army.
But, to my surprise, things have been a little bumpy as I’ve
traveled down this path. Fear has tried
to creep in – opportunities have tried to distract – misunderstandings have
tried to break down relationships – and I’ve wondered why… Why, if the Lord
goes before me and behind me – leading me and protecting me – why do I still
feel shaken at times? And, as I thought
about the story of Moses and the Red Sea, I began to understand.
I realized that I am, in fact, in a SAFE place – I am on the
RIGHT path – I am PROTECTED by the mighty hand of God. But, I’m NOT IMMUNE to the forces of the
world around me. I can still feel its effects. However, if I stay focused and faithful - if
I persevere – I’m learning that I can remain immune to its consequences and
come out unscathed on the other side. I
might be a little damp from the mist and out of breath from running the last
few yards before the water closes in behind me, but I’ll get there – safe and
sound.
So, if things in your life are a little bumpy right now,
think about the folks who followed Moses into the Red Sea and walked through on
dry ground. Keep pressing forward. Don’t look at the water all around you. And, remember that God’s got your back, so
you can make it through to the other side…
