January 26, 2019: SOAP #3341:  Exodus 14-16; Acts 2

Scripture:  Exodus (NIV) 14:10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. 11 They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?

Observation:  The previous verses show that God had strategically led the Israelites to a place that would invite Pharaoh to attempt to capture them.  And God had specifically hardened Pharaoh’s heart, leading him to think that he could get the Israelites back under his control.

This was all God’s plan, BUT the Israelites totally misread the situation.  God was preparing a great victory, but all they could see was the Egyptian army, the mountains, and the Red Sea!  They were hopelessly trapped!  (If you do not know the rest of the story, please read Genesis 14:15-31.)  (If you do know, you will probably enjoy reading it again!)

Their position between the mountains and the Red Sea, Pharaoh’s army closing in, it was all God’s plan to give them a victory far greater than they could have ever imagined!

Application:  Before we moved from Hawaii, I can remember blaming the devil, and our landlords for something that God had set up to bring a victory far greater than I could ever have imagined!   Today we own our home without a mortgage!  I may not have a Moses to keep reminding me of what God has said, but I have someone better, much better!   I have the Holy Spirit living in me!!!!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, I need your help to properly evaluate my circumstances.  Keep reminding me that nothing is too difficult for God; no situation is too hard; nothing is impossible.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!