Have you ever felt stuck—not just stuck, but trapped?
Whether you look forward or back, there seems to be no way out. You tried. You trusted. You made the decision you thought was right. Maybe hesitantly, but still, you did what you thought was best. Now you’re stuck, wishing you could somehow rewind.
For months, the Israelites had witnessed God performing incredible acts in Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to let them go. Although their lives had become a living hell as slaves, leaving still felt uncertain. But God had clearly demonstrated his ability to handle Pharaoh, so they followed Moses and Aaron into the wilderness.
Off to the Promised Land we go!
Then God told them to camp on the shore of the Red Sea. He even explained what would happen next:
“Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’”
—Exodus 14:3
Pharaoh would come after them—but God had this.
Fast-forward a little. The Israelites see Pharaoh and his army approaching. The sea is in front of them. The wilderness and Pharaoh are behind them. They have nowhere to go.
They panic.
Why did you bring us here to die? Didn’t we tell you to leave us alone? It would have been better to remain slaves in Egypt than to die in the wilderness!
When we feel trapped, our minds start spinning, and it becomes difficult to think clearly. Regardless of how God has delivered us in the past, in that moment it can feel as though he has forgotten us.
Moses tells the people:
“Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today… The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
—Exodus 14:13–14
Where are you today? Do you feel stuck? Is it possible that what feels like the end is not the end of the story?
Take a deep breath and step back for a moment. Can you remember where you were and what God has already done to lead you where you are?
You may not see a way forward yet. But that does not mean God has forgotten you.
“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
—Exodus 14:14