05-Sep-2024 – Trust the Lord when you are blocked
Exodus 14:13 (KJV):
“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.”
This month, our focus and theme are about our God who can prepare a way. It is always beneficial to remember the truths of God repeatedly. The preparation of a way is only significant when there is no way. If a way already exists, there is no need for preparation. Today, we meditate on a situation where the Israelites had no way to proceed further.
As we know from the story in Exodus, the Israelites were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. The king of Egypt pursued them, intending to capture them again. The Israelites found themselves in a situation where they were trapped. There was no way out.
On one side was the Egyptian army, fully armed, while the Israelites were unarmed. On the other side was the Red Sea, leaving them with no escape route. Imagine Moses’ situation. He had gone to Egypt, spoken to Pharaoh, and led the Israelites. Because of him, their situation had changed, and they had endured great hardship. Now, he led them towards the Promised Land, only to find themselves trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. From a human perspective, the feelings expressed by the Israelites were understandable.
But we are not talking about humans; we are talking about God, who created them. With God, nothing is impossible. First and foremost, we need to understand how the Israelites reached this point. Were they following the instructions of man or God? This is crucial. Moses was in continuous communication with God. All ten miracles occurred precisely as God had instructed. Even their journey had begun based on God’s word.
In our own situations, whether it’s related to marriage, financial needs, starting a new business, or career decisions—are we acting based on God’s word or the words of men? I recall a situation in my life. I was seeking an opportunity and received an offer from a well-reputed company. However, the offer letter was delayed. Meanwhile, I received another offer in the same city where I was already working. I prayed and waited for God’s guidance. Feeling encouraged through prayer, I accepted the second offer. Shortly after, the first company came back with a much better package. But once I had accepted the offer as God’s direction, there was no turning back. I stayed with the decision, and after that, I purchased a house and received various ministry opportunities.
I’m not saying that positive outcomes confirm it was God’s word, but when you stand by faith on God’s word, that faith will be honored by God. For Moses, too, he trusted God and had full faith in God’s ability. Because of Moses’ faith, a way was opened for all the Israelites.
Exodus 14:12 (KJV):
“Is not this the word that we did tell thee 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.”
The Israelites did not understand God’s power, even though they had witnessed the ten miracles in Egypt. They did not cry out to God, asking why He had brought them there and for Him to deliver them from the Egyptians. Instead, they focused solely on Moses.
Exodus 14:15-16 (KJV):
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.”
God told Moses to move forward, lift his rod over the sea, and a way would be made for them to cross. I recall a similar incident in our church. God gave our pastor a vision for acquiring a building for the church. We were all happy and prayed. But as time passed and nothing seemed to be happening, some began to doubt whether it was truly God’s will. Even I asked him why things weren’t moving forward. He patiently helped me understand. For him, it was like Moses’ situation—he couldn’t abandon the vision but had to stand firm, witness, and lead the people. God miraculously opened the doors for land acquisition, and the building work is now progressing well.
When we stand by faith on God’s word, our God can open ways, even through the seas and oceans.
Prayer:
Dear loving Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for teaching us today about Your ability to open doors in seemingly impossible situations. You are the God who is in control of everything. All You require from us is faith, and You will perform miracles for us to be joyful and to witness for You. Help us to trust You even in the most challenging situations. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
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