GO IN THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD
REFERENCES: Exodus 13:3 ; Exodus 13:14-16 (NKJV)
Exodus 13:3 3 And Moses said to the people: “Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out of this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.
Exodus 13: 14-16 14 So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ 16 It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.”
In (v.3), Moses reminded the Israelites that it was by the strength of God’s hand that they were delivered from Egypt. They kept reflecting on the garlic and the leeks (the past), so he commanded them (Ex.14:15) to go forward. If we hesitate and decide to have second thoughts when God tells us to do something, God prods us so we can move forward in His strength. When our faith falters and all we see are our impossibilities and obstacles, it is time to remember God’s strong hand which knows no boundaries.
Even when we step out with new, God-given determination, the enemy comes with relentless pursuit. God wants us to focus on His (our) past victories and expect Him to work again. He is mighty to thwart the enemy of our soul. Sing praises to the Lord and bless His name. Don’t try to figure out how God will perform. Did He not bring you safely from your mother’s womb? He is able to do far more than we can imagine. The Lord, our Rock, is mighty in all that He does. He is faithful that promised. Don’t give up! Keep pressing forward and most of all, don’t fear.
Fear dims our eyes and dulls our faith. Remember it was God who hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that he refused to free the Israelites and even after he gave them permission to leave Egypt. When God hardens someone’s heart, He also has the power to make it conform to His purpose. He opens and/or closes doors as necessary. Realize that God has an action plan. We may not know what that plan entails, but one thing we do know is that it is the Lord who does whatever it takes to propel us.
When the Israelites saw the Egyptians behind them and the Red Sea in front of them, naturally, they panicked. We all do at times, but God saw the bigger picture. The Red Sea: a barrier to progress (Israelites); an excellent trap (Egyptians); a perfect place for the enemy’s demise (God). It’s a matter of perspective. How do we see our Red Sea?
In v.14, we are reminded of God’s strong hand of deliverance. Don’t be afraid! Stand still! These are difficult commands to obey. We want to help God, because we often forget that we are not our own. The strong and mighty God takes care of us. Most of all, He is dependable. Think about it! If obstacles were not true to their name, they would have nothing to do. Since we are born of woman, troubles are inescapable. When we are born of the Spirit, bountiful blessings are inevitable. Therefore, when He commissions us He expects us to obey. He has a way of showing Himself strong just in the nick of time. The pillars of cloud and of fire were God’s providence for the Israelites, while concurrently being a hindrance to the Egyptians. Many times we do not understand how God works but I often say, “He is working behind the scenes.”
When Moses obeyed, he saw God’s miraculous work. He was equipped with ammunition: the rod, his hand, faith in God, and helpers. He used what he had and stretched out his hand over the sea just like God said. Consequently, God sent an east wind and divided the sea. The Israelites walked on dry land, but the enemy was destroyed. Is it time for the east wind in your situation? Stretch your hands to heaven in faith, declare His power, and thank Him in advance. As we walk on depending on the Lord, He uses the very thing that once overwhelmed us to bring us victory.
God has also equipped us: fasting, prayer and praise. We don’t understand how, but praise confuses the enemy. Moses and Miriam, his sister, remembered to praise (Ex.15:1, 2, 20, 21). God is about to free us from whatever is our house of bondage (v.3). Go in His strength.
Can you imagine how frustrated Pharaoh must have felt when his soldiers accused him of releasing the Israelites and now they were required to do the work? Pharaoh rethought his decision and headed out in pursuit of the Israelites, not knowing he was about to be destroyed. Do circumstances seem relentless in hindering your progress? His right hand has saving strength. It is powerful and will oppose any enemy. Hold your peace. In other words, “Be quiet!” This is difficult for women, but the Lord wants us to be quiet and go forward with His word. No “what ifs” and “buts” will suffice. In quietness and confidence shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15). Lack of motion breeds stagnation. That is offensive. Yet, we may not necessarily be required to move physically, but there has to be mobilization, emotionally. The fragrance (obedience) that you offer is acceptable and pleasant to the Lord.
Israel saw that great work which the Lord did. What great work do you desire? God is about to liberate us from the obstacles to our departure. Thank Him and go forward in His strength.
REFLECTION
- How has God shown His strength on your behalf in the past?
- Fear inhibits us. How so?
Dr. O. A. James