Obedience is the Key

Sometimes what you are going through is not entirely about you; God uses our circumstances and our obedience to impact the hearts of those who do not yet believe.

Exodus 13:17

For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”

Exodus 14:2, 4

“Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea...

And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.”

The Israelites were on the move; they had already left Egypt and were on their way to the Promised Land before God allowed the Pharaoh to realize what he had done. (Ex 14:5)

Even though they left Egypt “ready for battle” and with the wealth of the Egyptians, God directed them away from the path that would have resulted in a war with the Philistines. (Ex 13:17) God knew that if they had faced a war, they would change their minds and return to captivity.

So then....Why would God have His people turn back and make camp instead of continuing on their journey? They were making good pace in putting distance between them and Egypt. They even took an alternate route to avoid a war and yet now, God has them stop and turn back; turn to make camp at the same time Pharaoh decides to pursue them.

God leads them away from a war just to position them for a battle...why?

Verse 4....so that the Egyptians (the very same people who held the Israelites in captivity) would know that He is the Lord. This was about God moving on the hearts of those who did not yet know Him. God was about to reveal Himself to a nation as well as remind a nation of who they serve.

Moses was instructed to tell the terrified Israelites “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

The battle you are in right now may seem overwhelming and it might not be about just you. God may wish to reveal Himself to those around you. As He instructed His people then, He is instructing you today....

Listen (Do not be afraid)

Trust (Stand Firm)

Obey (Be Still)

God did not mean to stand still or do not move. No, they were to get up and move to safety as He provided their path. He was telling them to stop complaining, to stop fretting, to stop focusing on what was behind them and start focusing on the life in front of them. He instructed them to move in the direction of the Promise. (...press on toward the goal... Phil 3:14-15; ...keep your eyes on Jesus... Heb 12:2)

As they obeyed and moved through the obstacle in front of them (the Red Sea), God took care of what was behind them. In doing so, God gained the glory and the Egyptians were given the opportunity to know that He is the Lord.

What a wonderful God He is! As He takes us THROUGH the hard places, our faith is strengthened and He reveals Himself to those who are watching.

With that in mind, what 'enemy' are you facing today?

I encourage you to do as the Israelites...

Listen (Do not be afraid)

Trust (Stand Firm)

Obey (Be Still)

and in the process, be reminded of the God you serve.