Dear Faith Family, 

But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle, (Exodus 13:18). 

Have you ever read a familiar passage of Scripture and wondered if someone added a verse since the last time that you read the passage?  Like, I know this Bible story and I’m quite sure that this verse wasn’t in this story the last time that I read it?!  I’m not just talking about an emphasis – like when a verse became more real to you.  Instead, I’m talking about a verse that wasn’t there the first time you read the passage and then, there it was when you read it again! 

What’s the verse?  Exodus 13 reports the exodus of God’s people out of Egypt.  The very next chapter tells us the story of the Red Sea.  God’s people were no match for the Egyptian army, right?  In fact, caught between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army, the people of God resorted to fear. 

The verse that seemed to sneak its way into the text (Ok.  It’s a possibility that it was there all along and I just didn’t pay attention.) is Exodus 13:18. Pay close attention to the second half of that verse.  And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.  They were armed and outfitted for battle! 

Here's the question: why then all the fear?  If this large group of freed slaves left Egypt equipped for battle, why were they afraid when the Egyptians showed up?  That’s easy.  Caught between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army was less than appealing!  Neither option seemed desirable. 

Do you ever find yourself somewhere between a seemingly impassable Red Sea and an overwhelming Egyptian army?  Between a proverbial rock and a hard place?  Either option is dripping with unwanted consequences.  Maybe you’re in the “between” even as you read this blog? 

Out of good options, the opportunity (necessity) to see God work escalates.  Note that God never runs out of good options!  He can exercise option “a”: part the Red Sea or He can exercise option “b”: defeat the Egyptian army or “c”: all of the above!  Don’t forget that God even has other options that begin with “d”: none of the above. 

The real question?  Can the God who raised Moses, who administered the plagues, who freed His people, who plundered the Egyptians, who equipped His people for battle – can He be trusted today?  Can He be trusted between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army?  Obviously! 

Looking for God in between, 
Pastor Karl