Red Sea Moments

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will REJOICE and be glad in it! Even if I am currently facing a RED SEA MOMENT! This morning I read something from Pastor Buddy Cremeans blog that I would like to share with you. It is concerning Red Sea Moments (RSM).

Insurmountable discouragement. The Red Sea.

Can you imagine the thoughts bouncing around in the brains of 2 million people as they approached this sea of emotion? Remember, Israel recently experienced the mighty hand of God as never before in human history. For the first time in 400 years, they experienced relief, reprieve and room to breathe, as God delivered them from slavery. Now their future was certain. Next stop…The Promise Land. Israel’s breathing room rapidly became shallow as their dreams turned to depression. In front of them…The Red Sea. In back of them…their past chasing them, breathing down their neck, to destroy them…The Egyptian army.

Red Sea Moments build faith. Red Sea Moments show who really is in control. Red Sea Moments grow you like nothing else. The waves of benefits are endless. I know I’m supposed to say I love them. I know I’m supposed to be like Moses and lift up my staff with a commanding presence while the wind is blowing through my hair…and announce to my congregation with a loud voice…STAND STILL AND WATCH THE MIGHTY HAND OF THE LORD YOUR GOD! I could play that game, but it’s not true. Frankly, I think Moses struggled as well. Processing his fear…”God, how in the world are you going to get us out of this one?!”

RSMs are “WHAT NOW” moments! There are no options, no solutions, no answers. RSMs are lonely moments. You will discover that even those closest to you don’t understand. You will also discover that your mentors can’t coach you either. This is why they are YOUR RSMs. And you have ONE option. God.

“God, if you don’t come through, we are through!”

I think this is why we hate them. I mean, who really says…hip hip hurray…I have cancer!

YES…I’ve lost my job!

Sweet, my marriage is over!

We hate them because they remind us we are not in control. We want to think it’s our amazing abilities or leadership that will navigate us. RSMs humble us. RSMs reduce us and RSMs prevent control denial.

As much as this is on my heart today, I know there are people who are reading this blog that are face to face with a Red Sea Moment. You don't know what to do. You don't how you are going to make it. You don't know when the answer will come. BUT...there is one thing that you do know...WHO to run to! WHO to turn to! WHO to put your trust in! WHO to put your confidence in! WHO to lean on!

The Who is Jesus Christ! You can "cast all of your care upon Him" because He truly cares for you. He promised to NEVER leave you or forsake you. You can take that to the bank. Listen to what God spoke to the Israelites through Moses during their Red Sea Moment:

Exodus 14:13 (AMP) Moses told the people, Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again.

Exodus 14:13 (MSG) Moses spoke to the people: "Don't be afraid. Stand firm and watch GOD do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you're never going to see them again.

My prayer for you today is that you will continue to turn your eyes upon Jesus, and turn a deaf ear to the threats and regrets of your past! Move forward, press on...and you make it across your Red Sea Moment! You will indeed, "see the salvation of the Lord" which He will work for you! In HIS time!

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty