Little Known Story of Faith At The Red Sea
Here is a remarkable story of faith. Moses stood on the shore of the Red Sea, surrounded by thousands of terrified Israelites, crying and begging him to save them. The most powerful army of their day was bearing down on them, planning to massacre them. The Israelites could hear the rumble of their chariots over the desert. The shouts of their soldiers were getting louder. Yet the Red Sea stood before them. How could God put them in this position?
Moses stood with a rod extended over the Red Sea. He gave the command, “Move forward!” The Israelites hesitated. “Move forward into the Sea? We will drown!”
According to Jewish writings in the Midrash, Naasson stepped forward. Naasson waded into the water alone. He moved forward into the sea with Faith. He had Faith in his God and his God’s prophet. Soon, the water was up to his knees. Then the water covered his thighs and rose over his chest. The Midrash says that only when the water was up to his nostrils did the water separate to his right and to his left.
We Each Have a Story of Faith.
Our lives are full of challenges and trials. Are we willing to believe God can deliver us even in our darkest hours? Do we move forward into our troubled sea with faith? How deep are we willing to wade into our dilemmas?
This story of faith is instructive. The waters did not part until an Israelite acted in faith. We too must move forward in faith..
In Exodus, we are told the wheels on the Egyptian chariots broke, slowing the headlong rush of the Egyptian pursuit and giving all the Israelites time to cross the Red Sea on dry land.
After the Israelites crossed the Sea, the waters returned in an avalanche, destroying the Egyptian army and giving Israel time to settle the promised land without fear of attack from the mighty armies of Egypt.
The Red Sea as a Symbol
The Red Sea, like baptism, becomes a symbol for washing away our past. Doesn’t it feel wonderful that Jesus Christ’s atonement lets us leave our past behind? Jesus can wash away all our old sins. Nothing in our past needs to pursue us or hold us hostage.
The Red Sea can also represent obstacles that only God can help us overcome. We need faith and prayer to solve the impossible problems we face. His Holy Spirit can guide us so we can move forward into our own story of faith.
Pharaoh represents our doubts. Satin is hoping to bring us back into those destructive habits we are desperately trying to leave behind. Are your doubts causing you to stop moving forward?
The World Has Become Hostile to Faith.
Many today say no God exists, and the Bible is a myth. Our Faith is constantly on trial. I see Satan declaring, “Faith is declining. Let’s take advantage of their fear.” He wants to spread doubt and gobble up whatever particle of faith we once had.
Remember, after every period of spiritual decline comes a time of spiritual resurgence. If you are in a crisis of faith or looking at a problem with no apparent solution. Step into your troubled sea with faith in your Savior. Just as the sea swallowed up Pharaoh’s army, your doubts will be consumed.
All those lingering doubts will disappear. Your story of faith is within your reach. The turbulent waters of your doubt can become a sea at peace.
Know that your private Red Sea will come rushing back to destroy the army of doubt. Your misgivings will no longer pursue you like the Egyptians who laid dead upon the seashore.
Remember, the Lord is a God of Miracles. You must be courageous enough to take those first steps, believing the Lord will help you through your private Red Sea.
See our post: 5 Fundamentals of Faith
Step Forward Into Your Own Story of Faith
Whether it’s a crisis of faith or a problem you do not see a solution for, know the Lord is always watching over you.
I am sure the Israelites despaired, looking at the vastness of the Red Sea, knowing the Egyptian army was following close behind them. They wondered how they could get out of this mess.
However, Naasson had faith. He moved forward into the sea, and soon the sea parted. He could finish his journey across the sea on dry land.
Like Naasson, we can move forward in faith and walk across our own turbulent waters on dry land. We can sing songs of praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
