What steps can we take to trust God's plan over our own? Setting the Scene “Then he harnessed his chariot and took his army with him.” – Exodus 14:6 Pharaoh thinks he is in control. He arms himself and speeds toward Israel, but the Lord has already declared the final outcome (Exodus 14:4). The contrast between human schemes and God’s sovereign plan invites us to learn how to place full confidence in the Lord rather than in our own strategies. Recognizing God’s Superior Strategy • Pharaoh’s polished chariots could not out-maneuver a pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 14:19–20). • What looked like a dead end at the Red Sea was God’s chosen pathway to victory (Exodus 14:21–22). • Scripture shows, again and again, that the Lord’s plan is flawless, timely, and unstoppable (Isaiah 46:9–10). Step 1: Rehearse What God Has Already Done • Israel had watched ten plagues dismantle Egypt’s gods (Exodus 7–12). • Remembering past deliverance fuels present trust (Psalm 77:11–12). Practical action: Keep a written record of the Lord’s answers, provisions, and protections. Review it when new pressures arise. Step 2: Submit Early, Not Eventually • Moses’ words: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the salvation of the LORD” (Exodus 14:13). • Trust flourishes when we decide, at the outset, that God’s word settles the matter (Psalm 119:60). Practical action: When God’s command is clear in Scripture, move from debate to obedience without delay. Step 3: Move Forward When God Says Go • “Tell the Israelites to move on” (Exodus 14:15). • Faith is active; it steps onto a seabed that only God can hold open (Hebrews 11:29). Practical action: Identify one concrete step that aligns with God’s revealed will—take it today. Step 4: Anchor in God’s Character, Not in Visible Circumstances • “Your way was through the sea, Your path through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were unseen” (Psalm 77:19). • God’s wisdom surpasses ours (Isaiah 55:8–9). Practical action: Memorize verses that highlight God’s faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23; Numbers 23:19) and recall them when sight contradicts promise. Step 5: Resist the Impulse to Retreat • Israel cried, “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians” (Exodus 14:12). • Looking back to old captivities weakens present faith (Galatians 5:1). Practical action: When tempted to revert to a comfort zone outside God’s will, vocalize gratitude for the freedom Christ secured (John 8:36). Step 6: View Opposition as a Platform for God’s Glory • God said, “I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army” (Exodus 14:17). • Trials become stages on which God showcases His power (2 Corinthians 4:7). Practical action: Ask, “How can God be honored here?”—then cooperate with that purpose rather than merely seeking escape. Step 7: Celebrate Every Deliverance to Strengthen Future Trust • The Song of Moses in Exodus 15 converts fresh memory into lasting worship. • Praise cements trust and repels future doubt (Psalm 34:1–4). Practical action: Turn answered prayer into verbal or written praise within twenty-four hours of seeing it. Step 8: Stay in Step with God’s Word • Daily manna followed the Red Sea miracle (Exodus 16). God guides through daily dependence, not sporadic leaps. • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Practical action: Schedule unhurried time in Scripture; let God’s voice shape plans before your own ideas solidify. Step 9: Lean on the Body of Believers • Israel crossed as a nation; faith flourishes in community (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Shared testimonies multiply courage (Revelation 12:11). Practical action: Engage a trusted believer when God calls you to a risky obedience. Exchange reminders of His promises. Step 10: Trust the Ultimate Red Sea Crossing—The Cross • The Red Sea prefigures Christ’s triumph over sin and death (1 Corinthians 10:1–2). • If God did not spare His own Son, He will not fail us in lesser trials (Romans 8:32). Practical action: Preach the gospel to yourself: Christ’s finished work secures every promise you’re standing on today. These steps, drawn from Exodus 14:6 and its surrounding narrative, train our hearts to surrender human blueprints and rest in the flawless, triumphant plan of God. |
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