When I was around 13 a Sea stood in front of me. My parents were separated. The world I had once known was suddenly changed in an instant. Or at least it felt that way. I stood in front of my Red Sea. There have been many Red Sea moments since then. In fact, there were a few just recently. They have left me pondering how those lead by Moses must have felt journeying to the promised land after being set free from decades of captivity to only find themselves facing a giant looming Sea. On top of that, the ones who released them had a change of heart and were now bearing down on them. How can this be? Were they not the chosen ones, the tribe of Jacob? I bet deliverance looked a little odd at this moment. How could anyone possibly see God’s promise through this? I’m sure they expected God’s plan to look a little different. Where was the option that didn’t involve drowning or being killed? God’s gifts are not always wrapped the way we expect them.
They don’t always look the way we prefer. When we pray for God’s provision we should also pray for his vision to see it, to see it with his eyes. We can easily miss what God intended us to have because we didn’t like the way it was presented to us.
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)
He did not bring you to the Sea for you to fall into despair, nor did He bring you to see a spectacular miracle, although that can be amazing. He brought you to the Sea so you might believe, believe that you will “see” his promises.
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)
