It says that God took them a round about way because he knew they would be scared of the enemies in the promised land, and he knew that his people were not ready for that yet. So he put them by the sea and then the enemy comes to them. God knew what He was going to do! He wanted to show them His power. He was already leading them as a cloud by day and fire by night. And he stops and here comes Pharaoh's army. And Moses tells his people "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today... The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (13, 14) How often do try to fight my own battles instead of being silent and letting Him do it. It always works out much better that way!
His pillar of cloud moved from in front of them to behind them to hem them in, protect them as he opened up the sea and they walked through. And when they were all through it, he let the water go and not one of Pharaoh's men survived. So thankful for His protection!
God reminded me with the picture of the cloud by day and fire by night, that He doesn't need a break from leading and protecting me. He doesn't sleep or need a "me day". He is always there leading me. "He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. " Psalm 121;3, 4
Moses sings a song in chapter 15, "The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation, this is my God and I will praise him, my father's god and I will exalt him. You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode." (15:2, 13) I am guided by HIS STRENGTH, not my own.
I pray for God to continue to lead me and my family, to hem us in with His protection, to remind me to be still and wait for his plan to unfold as He opens up the waters in front of us to lead us to a promised land! Amen!
