Step Out on Dry Ground in Faith

n Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. Exodus 14:21

After several days of touring the temples and tombs of Egypt, we took a much-needed rest at a resort in Hurghada on the Red Sea.  As I stood on the balcony looking out over the stunning blue of the sea and a forest of white umbrellas, it was hard to imagine Moses and the Israelites crossing this body of water.

 The beach in Hurghada is rocky and the wind blows continually.  The water is cold but clear, and the temperature stays a comfortable upper 80’s. Yachts cruise along the coast, their flags whipping in the wind, under a seemingly endless sky. It is a perfect oasis of never-ending food, entertainment, and relaxation. Far from what it was 3,000 years ago.

 One day I ventured past the umbrellas to a platform with a metal steps that disappeared into the water. Holding the railing and stretching my eyes across the water I tried to imagine what it was like for the Israelites that night as they waited by the sea knowing Pharaoh’s army was bearing down on them.

              The Bible tells us in Exodus 14:21 that the sea did not immediately divide when Moses raised his staff, instead God sent a strong east wind that blew all night pushing the water apart and drying the ground. When you think about that, the people had to huddle along the shore, waiting. Waiting on God to prepare their way. Waiting for the ground to be dry enough to cross and the whole time they waited they knew the enemy had 600 chariots racing toward them (Exodus 14: 7). Horse hoofs thundering, torches burning into the darkness, and the warriors filling the night with their war cries.  How terrifying when you allow yourself to meditate on it.  Huddled in the darkness with the sea ahead they cannot go forward, certain death and destruction behind them they could only wait, trust, and believe.

              Our world is in turmoil and we have been driven out of the way of life we have known. We have no idea what tomorrow will bring. We spend time on our knees in prayer beseeching him for deliverance, for answers, for understanding of things that lack wisdom and we wait. Many of us are nervous, worried, and afraid. Do not give up. Hold tight, God has this. We may have been taken by surprise, but he hasn’t.

Do not live in fear but in anticipation.

Waiting for God is not easy but then it was not ever meant to be. If God responded to prayers and request with fast answers, how would we learn patience, faith, and trust? It is not easy; it never will be and that is why you must have faith in him even when you are huddled in the dark.  Trust him when the enemy is close at hand.  Anticipate the east wind as it comes to make your way. Step out on dry ground in faith and know God in still in control.

Typist for Jesus