Exodus 14:13-14 Moses spoke to the people: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you’re never going to see them again. God will fight the battle for you.”

You probably know the idiom about being trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea. I don’t know if it comes from the Israelites, but they were literally trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea.

When Pharaoh finally let them go, Moses led them to the Red Sea, but before they could make a plan to move on, Pharaoh’s entire army descended on them. In the distance, the people could see the dust rising in the air and they knew: Here comes trouble!

Terrified, they ran to Moses. They really went for him and accused him of leading them to be killed there in the desert by the sea. That’s what fear does. It brings out all that is ugly in a person and make you go after other people.

Moses had experienced God at the bush. He knew God would make a plan. What the plan was at that stage, had not yet been revealed to him, but he trusted. He knew God would work out a plan.

And didn’t God have a huge plan? He made a path through the sea. Making a strong wind blow, He made a path through the sea so that all the people could walk to the other side on dry land. But God also made a plan with the danger that was chasing them and made the sea flow together over them.

When we paint ourselves into a corner, when we’re caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, we quickly throw our toys out of the closet. Human, yes, but perhaps also a sign that we do not trust God.

Moses was calm, even though the danger was rapidly approaching. He was calm, because he simply continued to believe in what his God could do. I know it’s difficult, but that’s what we must do too.

We shouldn’t focus on the challenge, but rather on God. We should focus on what He has already done in the past and what He will do for us now. He will show up and make a plan. Just trust.

Prayer
Father, it’s not easy. Help me not to focus on the challenge I’m facing, but to focus on You. Help me stay calm and trust You …

Questions
What do I do when I feel stuck between two impossible choices?
Is my first reaction panic and accusation, or trust in God?
Can I choose to be calm today and trust God to open a way for me?

Do this now
Today, think of a situation where you currently feel trapped and bring it honestly before God.
Take a few minutes to be still and remind yourself that God has opened a way for you before.
Send someone who is also struggling a short message of hope today and remind them that God still fights for His people.