Roadblock or Passageway?

“We’re trapped! We can’t go back and certainly can’t go forward. Why in the world did God lead us to the place?” This statement applies in many situations Christians find themselves facing. This thought comes out of Israel’s exodus from Egypt after 430 years of slavery. Following their first Passover, God led them out of Goshen, but for several days, He changed the direction of their journey making it appear as if they were wandering aimlessly. Pharaoh thought they were confused and lost. Once again, the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he pursued them. God told Moses the reason, then I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord (Ex 14:4). Finally, Israel camped at the edge of the Red Sea with only the Angel of God in the pillar cloud between them and Pharaoh’s army. The people complained to Moses for leading them out of Egypt assuming their fate was hopeless with the enemy close behind and the large body of water boxing them in.

Moses reassured them this was an opportunity to see the salvation of the Lord (Ex 14:13). Moses added one caveat, you must be quiet (v14). The Message Bible captures the thrust of the Hebrew word; keep your mouths shut!  Throughout the night, the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind. The Red Sea ran from north to south and the east wind produced a west to east passageway of dry ground. What they perceived as a roadblock and dead-end in their journey, God turned into a passageway to freedom.

After crossing over safely, they witnessed the fulfillment of another promise the Lord made. For the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever (v13). Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea (Exo 14:25). The Lord threw the army of the Egyptians into confusion and caused the wheels to fall off of their chariots. The waters came back and covered the chariots and horsemen, the entire army of Pharaoh, that had gone after them into the sea. None of them survived (v28). Israel watched the dead bodies of their lifelong enemies’ wash up on the shore.

Some reading this may be asking, “Why in the world am I boxed in with no way of going back and a dead-end in front of me?” Realize first, Satan is not always the one bringing you to challenging circumstances in life. As He did with Israel, God sometimes leads us to places, which from our prospective appears as roadblocks and even dead ends. He often does this for the same reasons He led Israel to the Red Sea. An established road led straight from Goshen through the land of the Philistines to Canaan, a three-day journey. However, God led them this way because He knew if the children of Israel faced difficulties, they would change their mind and return to Egypt. By taking them via the Red Sea, the Lord displayed His greatness by parting the waters turning their roadblock into a passageway. The second important outcome, God destroyed their enemies. If Israel had gone by the easiest route through the land of the Philistines, Pharaoh and his army would have chased them until he recaptured them and forced them back into slavery. Seeing God’s manifestation of power brought a new understanding of the Lord. When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses (Exo 14:31). Another benefit of this route, it burned their bridges. Even after this display of His ability in caring for Israel, they were soon complaining and probably would have returned to Egypt. However, when the waters of the Red Sea closed, they lost their only way back to Egypt.

Several times, during our years in Bible College, life became so challenging Donna and I wanted to leave, go back to our old comfortable life, and just minister in our home church. The Lord had led us to sell our home instead of renting it. He burned our bridge and we had no place, to which we could return. Our only choice was keep moving forward and stand face to face with our roadblocks. Each time the Lord made a passageway. Through Isaiah God gave us the assurance, I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert (Isa 43:19).

I often told our children as they were growing up “keep your mouths shut and watch. It will work out.” If God has led you to a place where you are facing a roadblock or dead-end, don’t complain. Keep your mouth shut and watch God make a passageway to a better life.

Sustaining Word for the Week: The Lord will turn your roadblock into a path leading to a better place. Your enemies cannot follow you there. It will bring glory to the Lord and others will believe. Be quiet and watch!

 

 

 

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