No Easy Button?!

"They said to Moses...'What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?' Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" Exodus 14:11b-12

The Israelites panicked the moment things got difficult. They went up out of Egypt armed for battle, yet at the first sign of enemy attack, they began shaking in their shoes telling Moses they would rather push the "easy" button, so to speak. They would rather stay bound and oppressed in Egypt because it was far less difficult than fighting the enemy. They thought they would be better off keeping with what they knew.

Freedom is not free. Freedom takes fight and fortitude. Leaving the familiar things that are unhealthy in our lives (Egypt), displeasing to the LORD as they maybe, and choosing to follow Christ takes diligence. What's more, it requires a strong desire for deliverance no matter the cost, knowing that what God has promised (the Promised Land) is worth far more than the trouble it takes to get there!

Instead of granting them a push of the "easy" button, letting them give up and go back to Egypt, Moses encouraged them:

"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance te LORD will bring... The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14: 13-14)

But then the LORD replied to Moses as if to say, "Don't just stand there on the shore of the Red Sea!" (They no doubt thought they were between a rock and a hard place.) The LORD says to him in verse 15, tell them to "move on!" Move on from Egypt and the things and people of this world that so easily entangle. Choose God and move forward trusting Him!

At that, Moses raised his staff, stretched out his hand over the sea and parted the waters so that they could cross over on dry ground. Yes, the enemy followed in hot pursuit, but God took care of the enemy. He confused them to the point they were willing to turn back and flee. And when they did, "the LORD swept them into the sea." (Exodus 14:27)

On that day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians. How much more He desires to save you! Seeing such a great display of power by the LORD's hand led the people to fear God and put their trust in Him. Crossing the Red Sea symbolizes separation from the world and all of its entanglements and choosing to go God's way - not the easiest way.

Father God, I thank You that You have so much more than what was in Egypt for my life! Thank You for giving me the courage and desire to leave that land and wholeheartedly follow You. When the enemy tries to come against my walk with You, I ask that You send him into confusion and sweep him far away from me. Thank You for Your might, Your power and Your salvation. I am trusting You. In Jesus' name, amen.