Episode 2479 - Lesson 6 - Wednesday August 6 - Marching Forward by Faith

Marching Forward by FaithRead Exodus 14:13-31. Despite their lack of faith, what did God do for the children of Israel?Because Moses wholeheartedly trusted God and His Word, he encouraged the people. He presented four crucial points on how to act in difficult situations:"Do not be afraid" (Exod. 14:13, NKJV). The first appeal is to trust the Lord, because only in this way can fear be overcome. Isaiah reminds us of this truth by stating that believers are in God’s hands, and He will act for them when they accept Him as their God and Lord: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. … For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you" (Isa. 41:10-13, NIV)."Stand [firm] still" (Exod. 14:13, NKJV). To "stand still" does not mean only to stop murmuring and to expect great things, but to trust God and to wait patiently for His mighty intervention, because He will act."You will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today" (Exod. 14:13, NIV). For our faith to grow, it is important to recognize God’s leadership and help and to be grateful for His promised assistance. To "see" means to open one’s eyes (because disbelief is blind). Only God can provide victory, safety, and salvation. God is always for us, caring and providing what is needed at the appropriate time."The LORD will fight for you" (Exod. 14:14, NKJV). This indicates what God will do: He will personally fight for His people. Calvary is the ultimate proof of this reality, for on the cross Christ defeated Satan in order to give us eternal life (John 5:24; Heb. 2:14; Rev. 12:10-11). Later, even the Egyptians recognized that the Lord was fighting for the Israelites (Exod. 14:25).God’s command to Moses was clear: "Move on." God unfolded His action plan step by step: (1) the Angel of God and the pillar of cloud moved from the front of Israel’s camp and stood behind them, protecting them from the Egyptian army; (2) by faith Moses had to stretch out his hand over the sea; (3) the Lord divided the water and dried it up with a strong wind; and (4) the result was that the Israelites went securely through the sea on dry ground to the other side. The Egyptians blindly pursued them, because they did not see that God was doing extraordinary things for His people; that is, they didn’t see until it was too late, as their confession in Exodus 14:25 revealed.