There’s so much that happens in our world that we don’t understand, and don’t see coming. Last week Texas experienced a winter storm for which it was not prepared. Much can be said about that, but that’s not my focus here. There’s nothing that happens that God doesn’t either cause to happen or allow for His purposes and for His glory.

After the Lord’s great show of His power, He was able to lead His people out of slavery to the godless Egyptians, and then He put them in the wilderness in a place where they appeared to be easy pickings for the Egyptian army that would come after them (Ex 14:1-4). And the Lord told Moses His reasoning: “I have planned this in order to display My glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!”

The Israelites weren’t privy to God’s plans, as we most often are not. As they watched the Egyptian army chase after them, they cried out afraid they would be killed and wanting to go back to the bonds of slavery instead (Ex 14:11-12). Mind you this is after the Lord’s angel passed over the homes of the Israelites who were obedient to the Lord and saved their first born sons while killing those of the Egyptians (Ex 12:21-30). They had already seen His saving power and experienced His mercy. 

Even when it looked like the Egyptians were trapped by the Red Sea. Even Moses didn’t understand exactly how the Lord planned to rescue them from the Egyptians. “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.'” (Ex 14:13-14) 

The Lord expected the people to move out in faith. “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.'” (Ex 14:15-16) The Lord has plans for us all, but we must be willing to walk out in the steps He provides in order to get to the other side, giving Him the opportunity to display His glory so that all will know that He is the Lord (Ex 14:18).

As we see as we continue to read chapter 14, the Lord showed the Egyptians His power, but His glory was displayed so that the Israelites would believe. “When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before Him. They put their faith in the Lord and in His servant Moses.” (Ex 14:31)

Not only were they filled with awe at His majesty and holiness, they praised Him and worshiped Him: “Who is like You among the gods, O Lord—glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders? You raised Your right hand, and the earth swallowed our enemies. With Your unfailing love You lead the people You have redeemed. In Your might, You guide them to Your sacred home.” (Ex 15:11-13)

Today He continues to lead those He has redeemed. What testimony can you share with others of God’s unfailing love for His glory? Let that be what you ponder today instead of anything you lack, or any heartache you have experienced. Whatever we face here on earth is only temporary. We have the opportunity to have eternity praising the Lord. How can we start today?