February 5th

Exodus 13:1-15:27

God led His people out of Egypt after 430 years of bondage. What a time that must have been! The Lord led Israel with a pillar of fire by day and a pillar of fire by night, visual reminders that He was there to lead, to provide, and to protect His people. However, even though God brought Israel out of Egypt, He was not yet finished with Egypt. By causing Israel to wander in the desert, the Lord enticed Pharaoh to pursue the people and trap them by the Red Sea. It was to be the final blow, so that “God would receive great glory at the expense of Pharaoh and his armies, and so that all the Egyptians would know that He is the Lord” (14:4).

Of course, God opened up the sea so that His people passed through on dry land, but then He covered Pharaoh’s army with the waters and drowned them all. Not one soldier who chased the Israelites into the sea remained. Instead, their lifeless bodies littered the shoreline.

None of us have ever witnessed such a spectacle like this. However, in a much smaller sense, we do experience Red Sea trials quite often. The Lord ordains scenarios for us in which there seems to be no way out, where we are stuck between a rock and a hard place. He arranges situations in which the only solution to our problem is Him. Of course, if we truly trust the Lord and put our hope in Him, we are never really stuck, are we?

Therefore, the Red Sea represents impasses in our lives, our great hurdles to overcome, obstacles that cause us to cry out to the Lord and, at times, even complain. However, the Red Sea also represents an opportunity to witness the awesome hand of God work wonders on our be- half! Is it a sea of fear and trembling or a sea of faith? It’s our choice.

Daily Reflection

How do you typically view Red Seas, as cruel inconveniences or opportunities to grow in faith?

What are some things you should do when you approach a Red Sea? What are some things you shouldn’t do when you approach a Red Sea?

Remember this, it was God who led the Israelites to the edge of the sea. He placed them there to display His power. He knew the out- come of the trial. He was in control and all happened as He intended. Take time today to recall some Red Seas that you have crossed in the past and, then, praise God for His faithfulness. As He has done before, He will do again.

“Do not fear! But stand by and watch the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today” (Exodus 14:13).

BiAY.org | Day 36 — 329 Days to Go