As Pharaoh and his army approached, the people of Israel could see them in the distance, marching toward them. The people began to panic, and they cried out to the LORD for help. (Exo. 14:10)
When my boys were young we loved to go camping at Big Spring State Park in Missouri. In the evening we sat around our campfire watching the flickering flames and listened to the chirping of crickets, the hooting of owls, and the yapping of coyotes. Sounds at night always seem closer than they really are, and noises in the forest are especially scary. Ghostlike shadows make the hair on the back of one's neck rise and often a certain level of fear emerges. Darkness has a way of doing this to a person.
That's what happened to Israel when they left Egypt for the promised land. Pharaoh allowed them to go, but then God changed Pharaoh's mind. God purposely entrapped Israel between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. Why did God do that? He tells us why in Exodus 14:3-4:
I have planned this so I will receive glory at the expense of Pharaoh and his armies. After this, the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD. (Exodus 14:4 NLT)
The purpose of God's glory is to show that God is God. Our trials and tribulations are intended to bring God glory. Each difficulty we face gives us an opportunity to show the watching world that God is greater than any adversity we encounters.
Has God boxed you into a corner? Are trials overwhelming you? Does the future seem uncertain? Are you fearful? Listen to Jesus saying:
"...fear not for I am with you. I will never leave you. I will never forsake you." (Heb. 13:5).
Thought for the Day: Walk with God where no fear can abound.
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