It's Thursday, January 26, 2023. In today's world, having all your guarantees upfront so there will be no surprises along the way, may seem like a good idea. However, this doesn't always apply when it comes to the ways of God. What may work in the world doesn't always fit in the Kingdom. Read on …
Today's Reading:
Exodus 14,15,16; Acts 2
Scripture
“Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’” (Exodus 14:13-14)
Observation
Shortly after the tenth plague, Moses organized the people, and they headed in the general direction of Canaan. As soon as they left, Pharaoh realized all his cheap labor was gone, so he called out the Egyptian National Guard, and they mounted up and headed out to bring the Israelites back to Egypt.
The Israelites fell apart at the seams when they saw they were approaching an uncrossable body of water—the Red Sea in front—and at their back, Pharaoh’s National Guard coming at them with blood in their eyes! They cried out in a panic to Moses. His response: “God’s given us orders to keep marching toward the Red Sea! He says He’ll intervene somewhere along the way, so we’ve got to trust Him! His power does not come before. His power comes along the way!”
Application
Let's push the "pause" button. Would you buy that? God essentially said: "Keep walking. Keep trusting. I will honor your faith with My supernatural power." I prefer God to give me a guarantee and a signed contract to keep Him to His Word. But, you know the rest of the story — God miraculously parted the waters, the Israelites passed through safely, Pharaoh entered, God relaxed His grip, and the Egyptian army drowned.
Fast forward to Joshua's leadership as he and the Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land. They reach the Jordan River overflowing at its banks, and there's a problem: no bridges, boats, or ferries. But Joshua says, "No problem! Organize, form a line, put the ark in front, and march!"
That's right. Start marching in the direction of the swirling, raging rapids. Joshua said: "We've got to trust Him! Power comes, not before… Power comes along the way!"
Let's see what happens:
"… and when the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, the waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap …" (Josh. 3:15-16).
God promises power along the way if His people march in the direction He asks.
Prayer
Thank you for the hundreds of times You have come through when I’ve been at the water’s edge. The only written “guarantees” I need are all recorded in a leather-bound book and marked by Your promises that never fail, so help me to stand on Your Word. Thank you for the times You nudged me forward, and I stepped in — and You answered my cries with power along the way.
Sign up to receive Pastor Wayne's devotions daily
