KEEP MOVING FORWARD

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. — Exodus 14:14 KJV

Have you ever faced a situation where you didn’t know what to do? Most of us have or will. There comes a time in each of our lives when logic, reason, and rational thought leave us empty and more desperate than we were to begin with. Such was the case in Exodus 14:14.

God had instructed Moses where the newly freed Israelites were to make camp. Unknown to them, God had hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he and his army were pursuing them to return them to Egypt.

The Imminent Threat of Pharaoh's Advancing Army

Can you imagine the tremendous fear that must have overtaken them as they heard the thunderous rumble of horse hooves and chariot wheels? Turning to look back, they saw Pharaoh and his mighty army closing in on them. Six hundred of Egypt’s premier chariots, along with many more, with their captains, as well as horsemen and foot soldiers. All of them were highly skilled, trained soldiers specializing in the art of total annihilation. 

They probably recalled how easy it was to leave Egypt by night after the Passover. The Egyptians’ grief over the loss of their firstborn was so great. They had loaded them down with riches and everything they would need and practically ran them out of their country by night, realizing the great devastation that had befallen them because of the Israelites. 

Faith in the Face of Impossibility: The Israelites' Predicament

Now, here the Israelites are, trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. There is absolutely no way to escape. Destruction was imminent, and any who survived would be taken prisoner and returned to Egypt. Their previous struggles would be insignificant compared to their homecoming challenges. At that moment, they had no hope, and they probably thought God had abandoned them. They overlooked that God does not work according to logic, reason, or rational thinking. He works with the impossible.

Exodus 24:14 foreshadows the impossible change that was coming. It begins by saying the Lord looked through the pillar of fire and troubled the Egyptians. That can only mean he was present in the Israelite camp if he looked through the fire to see the enemy. He first removed the chariot wheels, so the Egyptians had to drive them heavily. I wonder if he turned the dry land the Israelites had just walked over into mud. Only then did Pharaoh realize that God was fighting against his army on behalf of the Israelites. By then, his fate was sealed. After all the devastation and loss caused by the plagues, a man with less pride would’ve known when to quit. Pharaoh’s pride cost him not only his life but also the lives of those faithful to him. 

Before destroying the army of Egypt, God had promised that Israel would see them no more forever.

Defying Despair: Choosing Hope Over Resignation

We often face situations that seem insurmountable, with no way out or resolution. It may even feel like we’re going under for the last time. We may think our fate is sealed and that we have no hope. Common sense, logic, reason, and rational thought tell us to give up and accept our fate. Just toughen up and take it like a man. That’s the exact opposite of what we should do. 

Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:6-7 to Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Trust in Divine Guidance Through Challenging Times

Even if your situation seems impossible or desperate, God already knows the solution and when it will come. Rest assured, he is in your camp, looking through the fire and troubling the enemy. He will not let you be overtaken. As he commanded Moses in Exodus 14:15, …Wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.

Regardless of our situation or circumstances, or how hopeless it may seem, we must let God worry about our enemy, trust in the Lord because he cares for us, and keep. With God, you are unstoppable.

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Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me put my trust in you, no matter what my circumstances look like. Help me realize that you specialize in the impossible and bring about resolution through miracles. The constraints of time or distance do not limit you, and you can do anything you want, whenever you want. Remind me, as you said in Isaiah 55:11, that your word won’t return void but will accomplish whatever you send it to do, wherever and to whomever you send it. Help me put my complete trust in you and stay out of your way so I can be amazed at the work you do. Amen.

Your Turn: What situations in my life seem impossible to resolve? Am I hindering God’s work by trying to fix them myself? If God delivered the Israelites impossibly, why would I think he can’t handle my situation? Am I willing to trust God, hold my peace, stay out of his way, and keep moving forward?