“As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’” (Exodus 14:10-12).
Can you imagine the terror that the Israelites experienced as they realized that Pharaoh and his army were bearing down upon them and there was no way of escape? They knew first-hand how cruel Pharaoh could be and now he was really angry! Such fear in a seemingly hopeless situation clouded their thinking. They began to rationalize that it would have been better to remain as a slave than to trust God.
You could find yourself in a similar situation in life. You are hemmed in by a threat with no discernible way out. It might be a devastating disease or illness. It could be a severe financial setback. Regardless of the circumstances, you find yourself with your back against the wall and out of options. You stepped out in faith and, now, disaster has overtaken you. The temptation will be to believe that you were better off without God.
Notice how Moses responds to the fearful and desperate Israelites. “But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.’” (Exodus 14:13-14).
Sooner or later, the time will come for all of us when we must choose between surrendering to fear or surrendering to God. May God prepare us for such a time. When my back is against the wall, I pray that I have the courage to stay calm, stand still, and watch God rescue me.
God loves you!
Mike
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