Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Red Sea Moments

"Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! He made a dry path through the Red Sea, and his people went across on foot. There we rejoiced in him." Psalm 66:5-6

Can you imagine standing on the shore that day? This isn't a little stream of water, this is the Red Sea for goodness sake. Can you even begin to contemplate the courage it took for some of those people to take those first steps of faith and then keep walking? Were they taken tentatively or tenaciously? I for one certainly would be hurrying. Yet, even as I write that, why would I rush? Do I not believe God will watch over me until I reach the other side? Do I only think He'll take me half-way to His promised land? God made a pathway through the impossible and led them safely to their destination.

Maybe today, you're standing on the shore of a "Red Sea". Not one boat is tied to the dock. No options ahead. Sea billows round you roll. You feel stuck on the shore without any solution as to how you'll cross over to victory. You know others have made the journey ahead of you and trusted in the unseen, but your faith is weak and your fear is strong. You've reached a crisis point and a moment of decision. You stand alone. There is only one way to the other side.

God.

Red Sea moments frighten us because it's at these times we come face-to-face with a truth that calls for surrender. We realize anew that we are not in control. We stand humbled in the presence of a mighty God and all our words are put to the test. Will we believe that God is able to carry us safely to the other side?

Red Sea moments are crossroads. Will my faith become action? They have tremendous purpose. They put us in a position where we must answer the question, can God be trusted? When everything around me looks completely impossible, will I relinquish myself and my situation into God's hands?

Red Sea moments are often places of suffering. Much agony has travelled with us to this point in time as our accompanying companion. God's greatness is birthed in pain.

Peter jumped out of the boat.

Daniel didn't compromise.

Esther asked to see the King.

A woman found her pots.

A father kept his eyes fixed on the horizon.

A mother believed.

What step of faith do you need to take from your shore today? A Red Sea is waiting to divide.



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4 comments:

On Purpose said...

Dear Heavenly Father thank You for Your beautiful daughter Joy and her commitment to live in a relationship with You. Thank You for providing her with this amazing devotion today. For I am in Your presence knowing that I have to submit my battle with thinking I am in control. I pray today Lord that in the moments that I struggle with doing it my way that I will 'squeeze' Your hand tighter and know that You have made the way and its perfect and right and You will walk me through it! Amen

~Grace and Peace said...

Joy,
I happened upon your blog from Lysa TerKeurst'. I so related to your comment there. Thank you for sharing your heart. This post certainly put the Red Sea Moments in a new perspective. I, too, struggle with trusting 100%. 60% yes, 80% even, but 100%? it's difficult. I look forward to visiting you often and taking this journey with you.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Funny, I haven't thought much about his carrying me through to the other side in my overwhelming moments this day. I've just seen the waves, friend, and yes, some fear. I, too, am often a sprinter in the face of fear. I think, perhaps, God would have me to slow down and pace myself, trusting him for the carry.

I really need his wisdom and guidance in the next few days. Heading to the carpet tonight. Thanks for this. Perfect timing.

peace~elaine

Unreasonable Grace said...

"God's greatness is birthed in pain."
That's the testimony you are living, Joy. Praying for you and your family.
Thanks for a great devotion this morning. I will ponder this today.
Kim