Exodus 14:13-14

"But Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.”

Bishop David Graves, our bishop of the Alabama West Florida Conference always uses the phrase, "The Best Is Yet To Come." When it feels like we’re wandering aimlessly or stuck in a hopeless situation, promises like “the best is yet to come” can seem applicable to everyone but us. We’ve all had days like that. The ones where we’ve lost loved ones, days when relationships are severed, when our children seem out of control, or our jobs are too much or life throws us a curveball. It's these days when we’re so overwhelmed by what’s happening in front of us that hope for tomorrow feels impossible to comprehend.

The Israelites were experiencing this kind of hopelessness after leaving Egypt. These were the very people who had witnessed, first hand, the power and protection of God in their escape from slavery. The same people who were experiencing His presence and provision on a daily basis in their journey to the Promised Land. Yet with every advancing step of the Egyptian army, their faith and trust in God’s plans and promises crumbled. 

When we face circumstances in our lives that seem hopeless, fraught with hardship, suffering, and pain. When we are called to fight uphill battles with insurmountable odds, we respond with panic. This kind of panic leads us to lash out in fear against those that love us the most and to doubt the truth of what we know.  We sometimes begin to question Who God is, and what He has already done in our lives and hearts thus far.

God promises to fight for us, fight with us, through every battle– big or small. And we, in return, are called simply to trust that the God who split the Red Sea and led the Israelites to safety will do the same for us.

Reflect:

What are some things you are struggling with? What are you grateful for right now, this very day? Try to list three things.

Prayer:

Loving Creator and protector, forgive me for the many times I have doubted you and your presence in my life. Help me to be still, and hold on to your promise that you are fighting for me and that there is hope for tomorrow. Amen 

Blessed Love,

Rev. O