The Edge of the Sea

Exodus‬ ‭13:17‭-‬18‬ [17] Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” [18] So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.

The Lord led the Israelites out of Egypt, and while He could have led them to the Promise Land by way of a shortcut , the land of the Philistines, He chose not to. God already knew that they were not ready to face a time of war against the Philistines, and as a result would go running back to Egypt. Instead He led them on the way that would take them to the Red Sea; a place where they would see God do the impossible. The Lord led them in a way that would give Him an opportunity to build their faith and trust in Him. In the next chapter, God leads them on a path that would give Pharaoh and the Egyptians the perception that the wilderness confused the Israelites. God purposely gave Moses those instructions because His ultimately goal was to glorify Himself, and show Egypt that He is the only true God of the world (Exodus 14). What can we learn from all this? First of all, we see that shortcuts, when it comes to walking with God, are not always the best choices. Far too often we think we know better than the Lord and we end up choosing what we believe to be the path of least resistance in seeking solutions to life's challenges. However, what we often find is that we end up on a path that brings added complications and more problems. Why is that? Well, because we chose a path that was the opposite of the one the Lord was leading us to take. Secondly, we see, and are reminded, that God's ways and His thoughts are not our ways or our thoughts. His ways may appear to not make sense to others, and may not even make sense to us; but we have a God who sees the big picture and always does what He does with our best in mind, and with a plan that will bring Him the greatest glory. When we choose shortcuts, and when we make choices that make more sense to us, we rob ourselves of opportunities to see God perform miracles in our lives. We miss out on tremendous blessings that can only be received when we obediently trust Him and walk with Him on the paths that He has already set. Even when He leads us to our version of the Red Sea, where there seems to be no possible way to continue on; we have a God who can part any sea He leads us to, because with our God all things are possible. Therefore, we know we can always trust Him, even if He leads us to the edge of the sea.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on the Name of Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation (Romans 10:13).