JUST BELIEVE: THE RED SEA VERSION

The Red Sea lies before us, it stretches far and wide standing in our way. We’d been celebrating moments before. God had moved mightily removing obstacle after obstacle from our path. He had gone above and beyond, giving us more than we had even asked for and yet here we stand before the impossible. Just as we begin to try to figure out our next steps, because at last we are out of Egypt, we hear the bone chilling sounds of horse hooves and clanking metal. Bright flashes of reflected sun and dust kicked up by racing chariots come into view. We are hemmed in from behind and in front. It’s time to panic, right?

All we can see are the waves and all we can hear are the pounding hooves. It is amazing how quickly we have forgotten the frogs, the dust, the locusts, the blood. It is at this point that we have a choice. Do we look at the waves before us or do we look at what God has done already? Do we listen to the army that pursues us from behind or do we listen to His Word, which promises that He is our fortress and our mighty deliverer? Where are our eyes and ears of faith?

Whenever I used to read the stories of Adam and Eve in the garden and of the Israelites in the desert, I always did so with a modicum of disdain. I mean really, how could these people be so stupid? How could they be literally walking with God one moment and then be deceived the next? How could they see the angel of death pass over their homes one evening and then question the provision of God to save them from Pharaoh’s army just a few hours later? I’ve been quite sure at times, that had it been I in those situations, I would have come out on the other side shining. Do you hear something in those words? Yeah, it’s pride and it is the thing that got this whole sin thing started in the first place. I am not immune to disbelief and lack of faith even though I have seen things happen that can only be attributed to His mighty hand of provision. If the Israelites had believed….If I just believe, how might the outcome be different? I don’t want Him to have to raise up another generation of people of faith to carry out his purposes in this place. I want to walk in the faith that understands that if I have a problem, He has a problem. More importantly, He has the solution.

But Moses answered, “Don’t be afraid! Be brave, and you will see the Lord save you today.”

The above was contributed by a B4T worker at the OPEN Connect.

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.