Swimming in the Red Sea

Have you ever wondered why God directed the Israelites to the Red Sea during their escape from Egypt?

Not a good strategic plan.

Did God forget the sea was there? Did it take Him by surprise?

Of course not.

He brought His people to a place where they would have only one choice – Trust God.

This problem was so big only God could handle it. They couldn’t run from their trouble. They were trapped.

God didn’t say “Take off, scatter through the desert. Good luck!”

In order to survive, the Israelites had to walk through the problem.

And God provided the way.

What about you and me?

Sometimes it feels like God is leading us in the wrong direction.

I often think that God has forgotten about the Red Sea out there with my name on it.

It wants to drown me. Does God care?

The Red Sea comes in many forms. Stress, fear, OCD, perfectionism, addiction, jealousy, loneliness, and depression. You name it.

It has one goal. It wants to drown us.

I’ve always struggled with fear, doubt, and depression and the Lord brought me to the writing world. A world where I have little control, face rejections and feel like giving up time and time again.

What was God thinking bringing me to this particular Red Sea?

Perhaps He thought I could share my faults and flaws with other people through the written word. He might believe my words can entertain and bring happiness to others and to myself.

I can write with authority about OCD, fear, and stress because I have experienced these things personally.

And like the Israelites, I have the option to run from the Red Sea. I don’t have to flounder through this crazy world of writing. I could put down my pen and walk away.

But I can’t. I must walk through it.

God takes my hand, and He takes the first step. We splash into the water and the fear overwhelms me. I want to yell, “Forget this Lord, I’m not ready.”

But He looks at me and I see strength in His eyes and confidence on His face. So, I follow.

I cringe when the waves hit my face and cough when I choke in the salty sea but I don’t let go of His hand.

Remember, He can walk on water. So, join me and thousands of Israelites and grab God’s hand then walk through your unique Red Sea.

What is your Red Sea? I’d love to hear how you battle the fears and doubts in life.