Have you ever had a dream where you are being followed or chased? The follower is getting closer, looming large, but despite your best efforts, you just can’t seem to get away, get to safety. In my younger years I would often awake disturbed from such a dream but, thankfully, usually forgot the details of it almost immediately. Like my mom releasing the pressure valve on her pressure cooker.
Sometimes we have seasons of feeling like we are fleeing from something or someone (or many someones) and can’t get away, can’t get to safety. For me, I have thought for much of my life that this means I need to run faster, work smarter, sharpen my skills and my mind to defeat the circumstances. That strategy has never worked for me longterm. Of course, there absolutely is benefit in honing our skills, of seeking wise counsel, of exploring how others do this successfully. But the heightened pace of “self-improvement” never lasts because … I’ve made it all about me. Ugh.
In the Biblical telling of the exodus of God’s chosen people, the nation Israel, from more than 400 years of slavery in Egypt, we read of the most dramatic, risky, led by unwilling-in-their-own-strength men. It is the best “go and know I’ve got you” story ever!
Everytime I take the opportunity to read (or listen) to the rescue of the people of Israel from those pursuing them relentlessly, I’m shocked and then delighted. It’s like a dream sequence of running from pursuers who are coming closer and the people’s rushed steps seem futile. But it is not a dream.
I want to encourage you to start reading at Exodus 13.17 but slow down when you come to 13.21-22 so you for sure do not miss that the people are not so much being chased by Egyptians as being led … by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. But don’t stop there! Keep reading!
Exodus 14 brings the crossing of the Red Sea, on dry ground! Yet there is growing fear of the pursuers and even the wild consideration they’d be better off going back to slavery to stop the Egyptian pursuit.
Moses’ response is our go-to for our own running-in-fear days …
And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14.13-14
Don’t let fear defeat you. Stand and see the Lord’s salvation working in your life today. You don’t have to fight alone; the Lord is leading the fight. Stand, see, be still, and trust God will do what He says He will do.
Exodus 13.17-14.31 is God’s message of knowing what we are enduring, providing direction and protection, making a way when we can’t see the way through and beyond. It is worth a read today!
Trusting with you, Colleen