"The Red Sea" Rules

22 February, 2011

Read Exodus Chapter 14.

Exodus 14:1-2
Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon.

A friend sharing of “The Red Sea Rules” from a book written by Robert J. Morgan ministered greatly to me.

“In Exodus, God told Moses to take the children of Israel to the Red Sea. When they got there, Pharaoh and his army were not far behind. On either sides were high mountains, the sea was in front of them and their enemies were behind them, well armed with chariots and horses. Notice God had led them there. God “took responsibility for leading them into peril. He gave them specific, step-by-step instructions, leading them down a route to apparent ruin: turn and camp. Camp there,. There, before the entrapping sea. Yes, right there in that impossible place.

The Lord occasionally does the same with us, testing our faith, leading us into hardship, teaching us wisdom, showing us His ways. Our first reaction may be a surge of panic and a sense of alarm, but we must learn to consult the Scriptures for guidance.

So, take a deep breath and recall this deeper secret of the Christian life: when you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there or allowed you to be there, for reasons perhaps known for now only to Himself.

The same God who led you in will lead you out.”

Rule 1: Realize that God means for you to be where you are. Tough as it may seem, God has you where He wants you. He will use this for your good and His glory.

Rule 2: Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief.

Rule 3: Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. God is able to deal with the situation Himself. He wants you to trust Him and leave Him to do His work without your interference. At this time, every time you think of the problem, force yourself instead to look at the Lord. Keep focusing on Him even when you don’t understand and everything looks bleak.

Rule 4: Pray

Rule 5: Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work. God is neither in a hurry nor is He slow.

Rule 6: When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. There are other needs to be attended to. Sometimes helping others gives us a break from our own problems. It can give us a different perspective as well.

Rule 7: Envision God’s enveloping presence. God came between Israel and Pharoah. The Egyptians were in darkness but God’s light shone on the Israelites and the Red Sea so they could cross over. God is with you. He will not allow anything to harm you or destroy you. He knows exactly what you are going through. He has been there first and will walk you through this. He will put His loving arms around you and comfort you.

Rule 8: Trust God to deliver in His own unique way

Rule 9: View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future. He is preparing you for something bigger in the future and growing you for greater works.

Rule 10: Don’t forget to praise Him.”

May we see God’s glory and power in our Red-Sea situation.