Just Follow His Lead

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

On our journey to a new life there are going to be times of fear, anxiety, and overwhelm. There are going to be days when there seems like no good choice, every direction looks like defeat on the horizon. If you go back, it’s terrible; if you go forward, it’s terrible. We’re going to ask, “Jesus, where are you now?“

In reading of Exodus chapter 14, we hear the story of the Israelites being chased by the Egyptians. As we can only imagine, they were terrified and felt doomed. Reading of the 600 soldiers, chariots and horses angrily pursuing them is a vivid picture of a scene of horror. They feel so overwhelmed that they are wishing to go back to the place where they were slaves, rather than to die in the desert. (verse 12) But as we read on, we see a story of God‘s power and might and protection unfolding.

“Moses answered the people, ‘ Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.“ Exodus 14:13–14

God had chosen the path that he was leading the Israelites on intentionally. He could’ve led them on a shorter path, with fewer obstacles, and they, like us didn’t see the point or the bigger picture of His plan. In Exodus chapter 13:17 it shows us the path he sent them on. It was treacherous. But, He was with them and ahead of them in the daylight with pillars of clouds to guide their way and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light for their travels through darkness. When they traveled on and were led to the Red Sea, it appeared they had reached a dead end, with no way back and no way ahead. Either way, it seemed they were doomed and as good as dead, with an angry mob behind them and a vast sea ahead of them. It truly looked like there was nowhere to turn. We, too, maybe feel like that right now.

But God, He provided the way out. He saved the Israelites in a bold move they never could have predicted. I’m sure that in their wildest dreams they couldn’t have envisioned what was coming next to save their lives and protect them from their enemies. A very unexpected twist in the story played out for them. It was not easy or without plot twists, but He rescued them and He can rescue us. There is no good and perfect way to get to the “other side” in life. We are going to have troubles and trials and heartache. We just are. But trusting God to get us to the other side is the key for us to continue traveling forward, trusting in His faithful guidance and plan.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

God will take us on the route we need, but not necessarily the route we want to go.

In listening to this story, I am reminded of a conversation I had this week with my son. An extremely talented kicker in football, he thought he might make a last ditch effort to play college ball. He had missed out on early opportunities he had, choosing to take a different direction. But, as he nears the end of his college career, he thought maybe he would tryout to walk-on. But, it wasn’t possible, as multiple circumstances prevented that from unfolding the way he thought it would. They decided to not have spring tryouts, as they had the player depth they needed. But, both the flu and Covid struck his body, preventing him from even getting out to practice, had the opportunity arisen. He felt defeated and regretful for not having made the decision to play earlier, but continued on with his academic coursework, as soon as he was released from quarantine. In his Communications major he is required to do an internship on campus, in videography and Digital Communications. He expressed an interest to his teacher in doing something with the football team. Do you know that everything lined up for him to work as an intern for the football team in a way he never expected. Attending 5 AM football practices to video their physical training was not what he had on his radar. But, he returned home the very first day in total excitement and enthusiasm and said to me, “God didn’t give me the football I wanted, but God gave me the football I needed.” I believe wholeheartedly that he is absolutely right.

So we must carry-on…Keep on keeping on, letting the Lord fight for us. Keeping our eyes on our goal and following the steps He is providing on our journey out of the wilderness.