December 9

“And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.’” Exodus 14:13-14 ESV

The Israelites felt caught between impossible circumstances. They faced the sea on one side and knew that Pharaoh was chasing them down from the other. There was nothing they could do in their own power that would save them.

Fear abounded among the people who thought they had escaped their slavery only to die in the wilderness. God heard their cry of fear and instructed Moses to tell the people to move forward.

Then, the angel of God who had been leading them with a pillar of cloud, moved behind them blocking the host of Israel from the host of Egypt. Pharaoh could not approach the whole night as the waters parted for the people of Israel and they were able to proceed on dry ground to their salvation.

Our God seems to specialize in impossible scenarios. Jesse Tree readings this week have shown us that he is not to be contained by human weakness. In fact, he moves in ways that only he is able, which brings glory to his name alone.

Perhaps you feel pinned between pressures this Advent season. You await answers, long for relief from your troubles, and are uncertain what to do next. Remember that salvation is not ours to orchestrate. “The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (v. 15:2) God is in control. He will lead you. Praise the name of the LORD!

Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, thank you for delivering me from evil when I call upon your mighty name. Lead me in the paths of righteousness. Your will be done in my life today, Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.