“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea.
The LORD drove the sea back with a powerful east wind all that night
and turned the sea into dry land. So the waters were divided,
and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground,
with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left.”
When Nothing but a Miracle Will Do
I’m a big empathizer. So when I read a passage of Scripture like this, no matter how familiar, I put myself in the place of each character.
I try to get inside Moses’ head and heart. I try to imagine what he was thinking and feeling at this exact moment. He was called to lead and had already done the unimaginable — rescuing all of God’s people out of slavery and away from Pharaoh. No one saw that coming. Even Israel’s freedom was an answer to thousands of prayers. How and when their release from bondage would come was a mystery. Until this moment in history.
Moses was at the end of his resources, his back against a sea that looked more like an ocean. Pharaoh’s soldiers, following orders to bring Israel back, were quickly approaching. But Moses knew God and he knew God kept His word.
The physical world told Moses that evil would succeed and the worst was yet to come. Maybe Moses was fighting the feelings of insecurity, wondering how a loving God could leave them to die. Or maybe Moses was confident and excited about how God would glorify Himself through this epic moment. Moses knew God could do anything and God loved His people enough to come through for them.
Even post-miracle, leaving Egypt with wealth and their first taste of freedom, Moses was in tune to God. He didn’t start to plan his house in the Promised Land or create a retirement for his future, maybe checking in with God a little later.
Moses stuck closely to the Lord and continued to listen and obey every word, no matter how ridiculous. Moses believed and “stretched out his hand over the sea.”
I’m so grateful God includes us in His miracles and the amazing story He’s writing.
Something that struck me while reading this very familiar story was the Israelites were privileged to watch God do His miracle for them.
The LORD drove the sea back with a powerful east wind all that night and turned the sea into dry land.
The Israelites were placed in this position not to panic, but to see God move for them — up close and personal.
Moses and the Israelites had a choice — to focus on Pharaoh’s army gaining ground on them or focus on God driving back the sea all night on their behalf. When we’re cornered, the enemy has spent years trying to convince us there’s no hope or we begin to believe God really can’t rescue us from this one, we can focus on the miracle God is doing.
Even in the secret of night, God is working out His miracles in His perfect timing.
God keeps His promises no mater what the circumstances look like; society and the natural have to obey Him.
So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left.
God provided the path for their rescue. He followed through on His promises. He answered their prayers in a way that only He could accomplish, glorifying Himself to this day with a story we tell our children.
It doesn’t have to look like parting a sea, but each of us knows when God shows up to to save us and glorify Himself. Lets praise Him in the comments today!
Share with us how God has driven back the waters for you?
When did God perform an act of love for you no one could have imagined?
What does your dry ground of rescue look like today?
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Stephanie,
I am so thankful that God has shown me over and over again that He can be trusted…that His word is good!! I could list so many times I have raised an Ebenezer for his merciful grace unto me. The biggest thing He has done in my life is giving me His Son as an atonement for my sins – I totally do not deserve this. Second, he rescued me from a verbally and emotionally abusive marriage that was laced with infidelity. He has given me a godly husband who cherishes and treasures me. I can’t put into words my appreciation and gratitude for giving me a second chance at love and life in my middle age. God’s parting of the seas is a continual reminder to me that God is bigger than all of our circumstances….He’s got whatever we are going through…we can trust Love’s heart….Wonderfully encouraging post!!
Blessings to all this Sunday,
Bev xx
Corena Hall says
At the Cross He loved me to lay down His life. The Godhead took on the form of a baby and grew up a carpenters son. He displayed not the Might of the Power of Creator but chose Love as the center of everything He did. Humble was the Son of God, the embodiment of Love that knows no bounds. I am in awe of Love. I am smitten by the nail scarred feet. At those feet I am happy to stay. Because His love holds me there. Thank you Jesus. Amen!
toyin says
God is ever faithful and ever sure. His words are a constant reminder (cos we often forget) of His faithfulness and unfailing love for us. God is God and He will do it. Even if He doesn’t, He remains God. He always comes through for His own, always. Glory to God!
Carrie Maulsby says
I praise God for his patience & mercy & grace he gives me. My daughter is in a homosexual relationship & her wedding date is quickly approaching (January). She is lost & doesn’t see her need for a savior from her sins or doesn’t care. My biggest prayer is for her salvation because if she chooses to follow Christ other things will naturally change. I pray she would know she is truely loved by her creator & He forgives all of her past mistakes & accepts her as she is. She believes she is damaged goods now because of her past. I have been praying this for so long that it’s hard to see or remember an act of love from God or him driving back the waters. I feel like I’m standing at the edge of the sea feeling the enemy approaching & waiting for God to part the waters & provide the rescue.
Cheryl says
As you stand at the edge of the sea , dear child of God, remember : Isaiah 43:2 you will NOT drown! keep praising Him for His good promises and trusting. Pray to be strong and keep loving. Your daughter is the Lord’s – He created her ..He is in control and loves her.
I went thru years of a bad time with my daughter also…. Still she doesn’t return to her faith but I at least these last few years we have a renewed relationship and hence I can know where she is at and have the privilege to lift those concerns to Jesus and trust He will take care of them and her. May your heart rest in peace. psalm 4:8. Claim Psalm 121
susan says
bless your heart…i will put your daughter and you in my prayers…i have a close friend whose daughter is in a similar situation….know that God is with you…..I can’t say anything more than that
Patsy Townson says
God is great! Keep praying. Though you are a stranger, you are also my sister in Christ. I will pray for your daughter and you. I also will pray for God’s intervention in this relationship.
Mary Hood says
Carrie, you and your daughter will be in my prayers. I have a daughter who says she knows the Lord but her lifestyle is in direct contrast to a Christian walk. I know some of the heartache you have. Stand in Him. I will stand with you, sister. He is our hope! Remember, under all the water there is dry land!
Beth Williams says
Stephanie,
God performed a miracle for me just this year! My aging dad began having major medical issues over the past few years. It got to the point I had to quit my job to be more available for him. His dementia got really bad this year. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. We all thought dad would be in a nursing home. God had other plans and healed my dad back to “his normal”. He is in a different assisted living and able to go outside & walk, with family. He can go on car rides or bus rides provided by the assisted living. It is so amazing. The only answer can be that God “parted the Red Sea” and allowed me to witness His greatness!
Blessings 🙂
Barb says
One of my 6 siblings died a week ago. Of all of them I knew he was saved by his testimony to me and 2 of my children. He has had the more sin filled life than the others. Pray that his death and God’ s amazing grace will open the eyes of the others to salvation.
Kimberly says
My family is currently in a place where we are praying for God to drive back the waters for us. My dad was diagnosed last weekend with inoperable pancreatic cancer and is currently deciding if he wants to do chemotherapy. He is 72 years old and otherwise completely healthy. My mother, brother and I all want him to fight this despite the bad prognosis. I am praying for hope and for healing from God, specifically that the cancer cells and tumor melt away and allow for many more healthy and happy years for my parents to be together. We are ready for God to perform this act of love for us.
Duana says
Praying today that God will do a miracle in getting us a new house. It would take the hand of God to make it possible and I am confident that he is able. I know he will always do what is best for our family and I need to rest in that.
Kim says
When I saw this come up in my email messages– I couldn’t believe it. I had two dreams last night where I saw the sea being parted. What’s my miracle? May seem silly, but my oldest went to her first Homecoming tonight. Through weeks of faithful prayers of friends and family and seeking out God, He provided perfectly. God is good. He is good to me and you. He is good at being God. I will praise His name forever!!
Rebecca L Jones says
I have experienced major healing, that was driving waters back that was a vicious attack of the enemy. I still believe He is moving to refresh myself and my family,
Frances says
When I was going through the nightmare of cancer, chemo & radiation, my son gave me a book I highly recommend called Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan. It lists 10 God given strategies for difficult times. God is GOOD!
Patty says
Last year we were having financial issues. My husband had lost his job. We fell behind on everything including our mtg payments. We winded up doing a remodification on our mtg loan. Our mtg company helped us out and said they can lower our payments by $100 later we get a letter in the mail that our payment actually would be almost 250$ lower than what it originally was before. I couldn’t believe it. I cried of joy knowing this was the hand of God.
JB says
Thank you for this, I am.at my own Red Sea, but as I read the posts of others, had to pause and pray for those who are standing at their Red Sea. I pray for God’s choicest blessings on each and everyone. That God would speak healing, restoration, salvation and peace in their lives.
I ask for prayer as I go thru with my daughter. God is faithful even though the enemy tries to block our view. I am going on 4 years of anger, frustration, bitterness, hateful and harmful things being said and done. On the brink of financial failure. Too many things to list. Please pray that the Lord would guide me across this terrible sea and give me peace on the other side.
Marianne says
Praise God from whom all blessings flow……Praise Him all creatures here below…..Praise Him above ye heavenly host…Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost….
Penny says
Stephanie,
This post is amazing, thank-you so much for writing it. Throughout time, and the challenges I’ve faced the Lord has gratefully granted me with calm after the storm.
Blessings to all for calm from your storm,
Penny
Alana says
EVERY SINGLE MOMENT I am awed by God and ALL He does for me, my family, for us ALL! He indeed is worthy of ALL praise. Amen
Angela says
Both my husband’s father & my parents are in their 70’s. We recently moved to California – have not even totally sold our home in the Midwest, yet. So, financially getting stressful.
My husband flew back late last week as his father was in the hospital and seemed he may need to go to an Assisted Living facility. We know now this is the case.
Today in church my mother had pain in her left arm and did not feel well. Dad took to hospital. As they arrived she was dizzy, shaking and had high BP. They gave her aspirin & nitro. She has not had any previous instances, but has a family history. She is doing well currently.
Our “Moses miracle” or “God’s in Control” moment, today, is one of timing & the fact my husband was close & could go visit her, also!! He has a medical background & a lady sitting in the back of church, today, is a nurse and confirmed they should “go in”. They left church early & went.
My Dad just had a big back surgery recently, in addition. Personally, I am still in job search mode here…..so, when things are a little crazy, God has revealed some perfect timing scenarios to us & that He Truly is in Control. HE can handle Many things! Reminding us to take “Everything to God in prayer!” 🙂 Glory to God!!
Patsy says
I have a fear of water and I have imagined how terrifying it must have been to cross that path created by God with giant walls of water on each side. However they kept walking. I was diagnosed with breast cancer a month ago and have already had a mastectomy. My prognosis is good. I will begin Chemo in 3 weeks, and I’m nervous and scared by what’s ahead. However just as the Israelites took each step while trusting God for protection, I am also looking to Him for strength and protection while I walk my path. Pray for me as I take this journey. God is good!
Alyssa says
Thank you for sharing this! I love this passage from Exodus. Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you- you need only to be still.” has become my life verse! Read my miracle story here: http://austinandanniesmom.com/obedience/