Trusting God Through the Uncertainty
Exodus 14:15–20 (NASB95)
15Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. 16“As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. 17“As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. 18“Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen.” 19The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. 20So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night.
Commentary - Trusting God Through the Uncertainty
The narrative is getting more exciting! The people of Israel, trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s advancing army, were on the verge of despair. Yet, God’s response to their fear and Moses’ leadership reveals profound truths about God’s plan, His protection, and His presence among His people.
In verse 15, God’s words to Moses are striking: “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward.” This is not a rebuke of prayer but a call to action. Augustine was attributed to have said, “Pray as if everything depends on God. Work as if everything depends on you.” This is one of my favorite quotes. The Israelites had cried out in fear, believing they were hopelessly trapped, but God already had a plan for their deliverance. He instructed Moses to lift his staff and stretch out his hand over the sea, signaling that it was time to move forward in faith. This moment reminds us that while prayer is essential, it must also lead to action when God calls us to trust Him. God’s plan was one that neither the Israelites nor the Egyptians could have imagined: walking through the sea on dry ground. What seemed impossible to human understanding was entirely within God’s power to accomplish.
Verses 16-18 reveal the purpose behind God’s actions: “I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen.” God’s deliverance would not only save Israel but also demonstrate His power and sovereignty over all other forces. The Egyptians, who had arrogantly pursued Israel with chariots and horsemen, the ultimate military technology of the time, would come to know that the Lord is the one true God. This moment is a reminder that God’s deliverance is never just about us; it is also about revealing His glory to the world.
Verses 19-20 describe one of the most profound displays of God’s protection. The angel of God and the pillar of cloud, which had been leading Israel, moved behind them, forming a barrier between the Israelites and the Egyptians. The cloud brought darkness to the Egyptians, preventing them from advancing, while it gave light to the Israelites, enabling them to prepare for their escape through the sea. This dual role of the cloud, darkness for the enemy and light for God’s people, shows how God’s presence provides both protection and guidance. It also reminds us that God does not abandon His people in their most vulnerable moments. He stands between His people and their enemies, ensuring their safety and demonstrating His control over every situation.
Like the Israelites, we often face nights of fear and doubt when the way forward seems impossible. Yet, God calls us to trust Him and to move forward in faith, even when we cannot see the full picture. His presence, like the pillar of cloud and fire, goes before us and guards us from behind. As Christians, we see this most clearly in Jesus Christ, who not only leads us but also stands between us and the ultimate enemy, sin and death. The New Testament calls us to follow Him in faith, trusting that He will guide us through life’s deepest uncertainties.
Let us be a people who trust God’s power and His promises, even when the path ahead seems impossible. As we face our own “Red Seas,” may we remember that God is not only our deliverer but also the one who reveals His glory through our faith and obedience. Just as He stood between Israel and Egypt, He stands with us today, guiding and protecting His people through every trial.
In His Service,
Ryan Goodnight