God likes to lead us into impossible situations.
As those who walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), don’t be alarmed when the Holy Spirit seems to lead you into a place with no way through and no way out.
Don’t be surprised when the faith you claim to walk by gets put to the test.
In Exodus 14, God led the Israelites straight into a dead end!
No human authority would plan this.
All slaves who plan escape routes plot a course that will guide them to safety. God did the opposite. He led the Israelites into a place where without divine intervention, the Israelites were as good as dead.
This is often exactly where God wants us. He wants to lead us to a place where we have no choice but to get on our knees and pray for a miracle.
Why?
Short answer: God alone gets the glory!
Act I: Follow God’s Guidance
Why would God have Gideon send almost the entire army of Israelites home?
Why would God send a shepherd boy to slay a giant?
Why would God allow Daniel to be thrown into a lion’s den?
The list goes on, but the truth is when God comes through in impossible situations there is no other rational explanation other than God moved.
Only God can use 300 warriors to overcome a tremendous army.
Only God can slay a giant with nothing but a slingshot.
Only God can shut the mouths of lions.
So what about you?
Is there a place God is calling you to that you aren’t going because you don’t see a way through, a way out?
Is there a dream you have that you refuse to chase?
Is it possible God wants to lead you into a place that demands you depend on Him for a solution?
Many people want to experience miracles, but the truth is we just don’t want to be put in a situation that necessitates one.
Act II: Allow God To Part Your Sea
I don’t know where you are on the journey God is taking you on. Maybe God is desiring to lead you into a place of dependence on Him. Maybe you are in a place of dependence already and are waiting, begging even, for God to provide a path for you.
Looking back to Exodus 14, God shows us 6 ways how NOT to have God part the seas in our life:
- Trust your own understanding (Exodus 14:1)
- The Israelites knew God was leading them to a place where they could no longer continue. They chose to follow God anyway.
- Be intimidated by the enemy (Exodus 14:2-4)
- God shared pharaoh’s heart with Moses and the Israelites. Clearly they did not fear death or pharaoh’s armies. Clearly they did not allow the enemies actions dictate their own.
- Second guess your decision to trust and follow God
- The Israelites could have turned back at any point in their journey. They continued marching.
- Be afraid of what’s in front of you (Exodus 14:10)
- The Israelites reacted to what they saw rather than responding in faith to the God they failed to see. What obstacle is currently in your way of believing in a miracle?
- Try to manipulate your own way out (Exodus 14:13)
- The Israelites could have approached the Egyptians and asked for a peace treaty. They decided to listen to Moses and stood still.
- Be convinced God is not with you (Hebrews 13:8; Exodus 14:14)
- What God did in Egypt, God will do today!
Act III: Pray
God, give me the courage to follow Your leading.
Give me the strength to walk into dark places in order to bring Your light to lost people.
By Your Spirit, help me overcome the fears, the doubts, and the obstacles I face each day, in Jesus’ name, amen.