Sunday Rewind 7.18.10
Over the course of the summer, we’ve been taking a road trip together through the book of Exodus. So far, we’ve seen some pretty amazing sights and learned some important lessons:
- In the story of God preserving Moses’ life as a child, we learned that God is not absent, even when He is silent.
- At the burning bush, we discovered that our yesterdays do not limit God’s tomorrows.
- Through the Passover, we were reminded that our God has set His people free.
This week, we came to Exodus 14:19-31, where we found Israel in a tough spot. In front of them was a sea, behind the was the full military power of Egypt. They couldn’t go forward, they couldn’t go back. They couldn’t stay where they were. Their story reminds us that sometimes, we find ourselves stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Sometimes, we end up in difficult situations as the consequence of choices. Sometimes, it’s the result of the normal challenges of life. But this passage raises an uncomfortable issue. Sometimes God Himself puts us between a rock and a hard place. Think about it.
Who led the Israelites to the shores of the sea? God did. Who instigated the Egyptians to pursue? God did. God put the Israelites in the crucible of crisis. Why? So that the people would be absolutely convinced that God would provide, no matter how bad the circumstances seem to be.
Friends, faith is not formed when things are going well. Being completely convinced that God will provide only happens when you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place… when there’s no way out… when the only place to look is up.
Do you find yourself stuck between a rock and a hard place today? It really doesn’t matter how you got there… through the consequences of your past… through the ordinary challenges of life… or through the direct hand of God… look up. God will provide.
I don’t know how. I don’t know when. I don’t know what it’s going to look like for you. But I know that there is no sea you face that is greater than God’s ability to part. I know that there is no threat pursing you that is greater than God’s ability to thwart. I know that you may have to trust Him to take some pretty courageous steps. And I know that when God has taken you through, your faith will be stronger than ever before.
