The Red Sea of Decision

Daily Reading: Exodus 14

Scripture Focus: What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us? (Exodus 14.5b)

Devotional Thought: Pharaoh and the Egyptians had what I call "EGS" - Engaged Girl Syndrome. That's what potential suitors get when the girl they were casually interested in gets engaged: "Oh, no! I let her get away!" So it was with Pharaoh and Egypt. Even though they practically pushed Israel out, they still panicked. And, as the story goes, they did not let Israel go without another fight at the Red Sea.

Pharaoh and Egypt symbolize Satan and his demons. When a child of the devil gets saved and begins following Jesus, the enemy panics: "I've got to get her back!" Do not be surprised when new Christians face battles and hardships after coming to Jesus. Satan will pursue us as far as the Red Sea of decision.

The Red Sea was the place where Israel first learned to put their complete trust in God. Their deliverance had been miraculous, requiring almost no faith. They were in a position to just walk through the door God had opened. At the Red Sea, however, they had to trust God in the face of the Enemy's onslaught. The good news was, that at that Sea of Decision, they left Egypt behind forever. Other trials would come, but Egypt was through.

I often see Red Sea experiences in people who come to faith. They experience an emotional high with the rush of life and peace that Jesus gives, but they are soon confronted with the ugly power and unrelenting pull of their former life. If they will trust God and pass through the Red Sea, they can defeat that enemy. Others will come, but they have learned that God is faithful.

Are you new to faith or know someone who is? Walk with them through the Red Sea of Decision!

Prayer: Father, thank you that you are faithful. Though the enemy prowls like a roaring lion, help me to trust you, to walk through the Red Sea of Decision. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, (Psalms 63:1-5)