Readings for today: Exodus 14-18
Christians are called to walk by faith and not by sight. But what does this mean? For Israel, it meant taking a literal journey through the wilderness. It meant placing their lives literally in the hands of God.
They are camped at the shores of the Red Sea. Celebrating their newfound freedom. But then they hear the warhorns of the Egyptians. They see the dust from the chariots rising on the horizon. They feel the ground rumble beneath their feet. They cry out in fear. In anguish, they look to Moses who points them to the salvation of God. “Fear not! Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today! For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see them again. The Lord will fight for you and you only have to be silent.” Trembling, Israel takes their first steps at the water’s edge only to watch it miraculously divide in front of them. They move through on dry ground. Once on the other side, they watch in awe as God brings the sea back together, consuming the Egyptian host. Moses and Miriam record one of the oldest songs of praise in the Bible.
They begin their journey to the Promised Land but quickly run out of water. They are parched. They are thirsty. They are afraid of dying. When they finally find water, it is bitter and poisoned and makes them sick. Again, they cry out in fear. They look to Moses who points them to the salvation of God. He throws a log into the well and the water became sweet. Not only that but he leads them to a place called Elim where the water is plentiful. An oasis in the desert.
They set out yet again. Into the wilderness. Into the desert. Food is scarce. They are hungry. Their stomachs are empty. They afraid of dying. They cry out in fear. They look to Moses and Aaron who point them again to the salvation of God. Manna will rain from heaven on a daily basis. God will provide for His people. God teaching His people to walk by faith and not by sight. “In the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord…” They wake up. Quail covered the camp. A fine, flake-like substance covered the ground. They gather. They eat their full. It is an effort they must repeat each day as God teaches them to rely on His daily bread.
What does this look like in your life? As I think back over the years, I can see where God was at work teaching me to walk by faith. I have experienced success and failure. I have been to the top of the mountain and in the darkest of valleys. I have seen pain and suffering. I have experienced hurt and heartbreak. I have been afraid. I have cried out to the Lord. Every time He has come through. Not always in the way I wanted. Not always in the way I thought best. Not always according to my plan. But always with enough to get me to the next step. Walking by faith in this world is not about never having a need. It’s not about the fulfillment of all our desires. It’s not about us living in health and wealth and abundance. It is about learning to rely on God each and every day. Trusting Him for every step in the journey. Believing Him even when things seem bleak and circumstances dire. God is with us. God is teaching us to depend on Him. Open your hands. Open your hearts. Listen to Him. Learn from Him.
Readings for tomorrow: Exodus 19-21