Egypt or Sinai? – Stay where you are or move into the unknown?

We are often confronted with this challenge whether Christian or not. Do we give it a try or just stay with the familiar? Do we make some changes, try something new, find out something, enquire, go and see or do we just keep doing the same old thing? Do we flinch at the first obstacle cowering in fear and anxiety ready to give up and throw in the towel?
Exodus 12 – 14. The Israelite nation had stepped out of bondage in Egypt with the help of God’s power and miracles. They had endured 400 years of oppression and slavery, hopelessness and futility – our story without Jesus. They were saved by the powerful hand of God and now were on a journey of faith towards the Promised Land.
God directed them to camp beside the sea – an impenetrable barrier! God often leads us to camp beside a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. It is part of our faith building journey. It is also common to our experience that the impossibility of the situation can become a deep darkness, a brooding anxiety, a constant worry. Do we give up and turn back to the familiar, the old comforts (which enslaved us)?

The Israelites moaned as they saw themselves trapped between Pharaoh’s armies and the sea. Exodus 14:11, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you (Moses) have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you brought us out of Egypt?”

How fickle and short are our memories. Our circumstances often drown out the voice of God and blind us to his immeasurable power. The same God who miraculously saved them (and us) also led to them to this seemingly fatal situation! Moses answer to them and us is this.

Exodus 14: 13- 14, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while YOU KEEP SILENT.”

God instructed the Israelites to move forward (Exodus: 14:15). What are you doing in your trial and darkness to move forward? Who are you looking at and listening to? The temptation (the voice of Satan) to give up and go back is very strong. This is your test today – find a way to move forward. Choose to build, stand in faith, to speak out loud His faithfulness, focus on His power miracles or simply focus on the greatest miracle of all – His forgiveness poured out for you in the cross of Jesus and the peace of His presence IN YOU through the Holy Spirit. Remember the seemingly small miracles and the way in which He has already held your hand and led you.

CHOOSE TO MOVE OUT AND KNOW GOD INTIMATELY – HE WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU. SEE WHAT HE DID FOR THE ISRAELITES IN EXODUS 14:15-31.