GOD WILL MAKE A WAY (1)

“So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left” – Exodus 14:22

Whatever the hindering barriers may be, GOD WILL MAKE A WAY: “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left” (Exo.14: 21-22). Despite our difficulty situations or limited natural options, God can be trusted to make a way when there seems to be no way. We’ll examine this blessed truth today and tomorrow, from two different contexts. In the context of Moses, we can learn a great deal from how God led Israel of old out of Egypt. God initially led them away from trouble, then to a dead-end, and finally, made a way where there was no way!

At the inception of their journey, God led His people in a path that was devoid of trouble and conflict: “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.” 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” (Exo.13: 17-18).

For the Christian, this is like the 'honeymoon phase,’ which is usually the case as we take our first steps in the Lord. At babyhood, God often makes things easy for us until we get established. He knows we are weak and in need of support, but does not overdo the care so that what should be a great help initially does not severely weaken and limit our growth later on. God supports us greatly when we are young Christians but He knows that to grow, faith, like a muscle, must be exercised. If He continued to make things easy, we may end up as shallow rooted Christians with superficial faith. Therefore, God shortens the easy times when He specifically led us away from difficulty, to make us grow.

Next, Israel’s God-ordained path suddenly seemed like a dead-end. They were hemmed in with the sea in front and the armies of Egypt behind (vv. 1-3). Yet this was all part of the plan of God. Sometimes, life’s journey may lead to such over-whelming situations where there appears to be no hope – save the action of God. It's part of the walk; it’s not the end!

Then, with no way back and no way forward, God did what He does best – the Impossible. He made a way where, naturally speaking, there was no way. Moses reassured the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (vv.13-14). “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on the left” (vv.21-22). Even now, God still makes the sea a highway for His people to pass through.

Charles Spurgeon said: “The Lord will make a way for you where no foot has gone before. That which, like a sea, threatens to drown you will be a highway for your escape.” That was Israel’s testimony. And it shall be ours, in Jesus name!