“The Lord will make a way for you where no foot has gone before. That which, like a sea, threatens to drown you will be a highway for your escape.” Charles Spurgeon
This encouraging quote opens the Preface for a powerful, little book entitled The Red Sea Rules. One of the first things I love about this work becomes apparent before the cover is even opened: Robert Morgan’s picture does not appear anywhere. He wrote the words but didn’t feel the need to call attention to himself in any way. Love that. All glory to God!
This is a new book for me and thanks to a sweet sister who dropped it off yesterday, I began devouring it last night. Although I’m only one chapter in, I couldn’t wait to recommend it to you. Hopefully future posts will contain more nuggets as I glean from Mr. Morgan.
Basically the Lord walked this sojourner through Exodus chapter 14 and the Spirit pointed out 10 lessons that we can learn from as we observe the Israelites’ trek to and through the Red Sea. Lesson one calls us to realize that “God means for you to be where you are.”
Exodus 14:1-2, “Now the Lord spoke to Moses saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon’.” In other words, the God who rescued them from Pharaoh’s land proceeded then to lead them to camp directly in harm’s way. Surrounded on all sides, the Red Sea before them, the mountains surrounding them and the enemy pursuing them, they found themselves in a frightening and confusing situation, one that they were powerless alone to do anything about.
We’ve said from the beginning and continue to believe that this horrific journey we’re on was not orchestrated by the hand of God but was in fact a direct attack from the evil one. We know who comes to give life and life abundantly and who, on the other hand, comes to steal, kill and destroy. So, is there some mistake? Has God failed to protect or to keep His promises to me and to my family?
The first of the 10 Red Sea Rules challenges us to, “Frequently remind ourselves that the Lord has either put us in this difficult place or has allowed us to be there for reasons perhaps only He knows.” Oh those reasons that only He knows! How we wish He’d share just a little of the “why.” But that’s faith isn’t it? To trust that He not only knows but that He has good reasons . . . GOOD reasons.
What impossible situation are you facing this Christmas season? Would you join me on this journey of faith and frequently (important word;so necessary) remind yourself that God has good reasons for directing or allowing everything that enters our lives.
Update: The last two days have brought some relieve from tough pain. Praying for breakthrough healing in the tail bone and down the left leg specifically. Thanking God for His healing inside and out!
JOY to the world. The LORD has come and made a way where there was no way. Merry Christmas! Love, the Sauders
God is good to give us more and more of Himself as we ask. Praying for you for the strength and humility to ask and wait on the Lord as He responds in His time. Too soon and we stop asking. He is never late. Love to the Sauders.
LOVE THAT BOOK! Made the same impression on me years ago, Kristen! God knows EXACTLY where every one of us is…and He is the Good Shepherd who knows the terrain rock by rock! Keeping eyes fixed on our Good Shepherd! Thankful for pain lessened! Will be praying corporately tonight! Love you, my sister!
It was 1978. There were 28 precious little souls in my first grade at a Christian school. I was really into the Bible lesson that day. It was about Jesus and what He did for each one of us. After talking about sacrifices for sins, I asked, “So, since we’ve all done bad things, should we go out on the playground and build an altar with some rocks?” (I could see the idea of going outside was appealing to them.) “And after we build our altar, should we look for a lamb to sacrifice on it?” (I know, PETA would have sued me.) But 28 little heads shook sideways. “Noooooo,” they all agreed. (I thought I was doing so well building up to my point.) “Right!” I said. “God already gave us a Lamb! And what was that Lamb’s name?” (Big pause.) One little hand shot up. “I know, Teacher!” Amy said. “His name was WORTHY.” (End of lesson–one I never forgot.)
Kristen, He will heal you, for He is Worthy. He WILL make a way. Love you guys so much. Continuing to pray. Mom
Oh how I needed this word from you today Kristen. I’ve been praying and praying through tears, feeling the weariness of this world and seeking God for answers. Kevin made reference to the Red Sea JUST today…how God waited until the last minute, when the Israelites were frustrated, confused, and losing faith and he amazed and saved them. I know this is no coincidence! We are asking him to move that mighty wave again! When I tell him I’m not understanding He reminds me I’m but a grasshopper and He is the one enthroned!!! I am SO encouraged by your reminder that his reasons are good and we can trust him!! Thank you thank you for shining so brightly in my life…oh how I am changed and spurred on…praying for dramatic relief specifically in your leg and tailbone, and strength in your heart. Hugs from us to your precious family!
I’ve been watching Beth Moore’s series on Esther. One video I earthed several times again and again before I moved on. And one phrase she used I’ve been comforted by ALL week! “God is just as intentional with where he has allowed a veil as he is in being blatantly obvious.” He knows what He is doing and joyfully guided our lives and loves us! You are being prayed up. I KNOW He is doing amazing things and will continue to.
Our God, is an awesome God He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love. Our God is an awesome God. Your God, Kristen, is an awesome God! He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love! Your God is an awesome God!!
Hi Kristen, Your words have really blessed me today. I, too, am in a very difficult place right now. It’s not a health issue, but your points pertain nonetheless. Sometimes we find ourselves in difficult spots because others have chosen to exercise their free will in negative ways. Though God didn’t keep me from experiencing this pain, He is guiding me through it and will bring me out on the other side for my good and for His glory. You are such a blessing as you exercise faith and the fruit of the Spirit during such a difficult season.
Kristen, I think about you and your family almost every day and the sweet way Raymond and Drew were able to connect… no coincidence! Praying for you to weather what this imperfect world has doled out to you. I will look up the book… another incredibly inspiring, amazing read… “Circlemaker” by Mark Batterson. Lovin on you today.
Kristen – Back in 1994, SE Worship Choir presented a beautiful musical titled “God With Us”. I love to listen to it. Your blog today reminded me of one of the songs:
“God will make a way…where there seems to be no way;
He works in ways we cannot see…He will make a way for me;
He will be my guide…hold me closely to His side;
With love and strength for each new day…He will make a way…
He will make a way.”
Love and Christmas Blessings to all…
Kristen,
You are precious and loved. I know that God has you on HIS RADAR screen and He knows that the sea has been daunting. My prayer for you is Psalm 27:13 &14 “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the LAND OF THE LIVING. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.” I am standing right beside you in prayer and I am believing for the parting of the RED SEA. But in the meantime, I have a running dialogue with our precious shepherd going regarding your pain, regarding the family time that is at hand with your children home, regarding the strength that you need at this moment. And what I KNOW is that HE is our YES and AMEN to all of this. What an amazing thought that He responds to our cries! I’m so proud of you and your wonderful family! You’re walking this well…keep going. You are making it!
Vicki, Thank you, sister, for everything and especially for the Red Sea book. Many others are now reading it as well. What powerful encouragement. I’m soaking it in. Bless you for your faithful prayers. I love Psalm 27:13-14. Thank you for praying that for me. Love, Kristen
Kristen,
I will continue to stand on the Word of God for your body to be healed by the Great Physician! His promises are for you and I believe by Faith, without waivering, that He will be Glorified through your life and your testimony. Praying for this day and every day to be pain free! J
Kristen and Kurt,
Prayed this morning that the Holy Spirit would lead me to a specific passage of Scripture to pray over you. I was led to Daniel 3:17-18. Surely, you feel the heat from the fiery furnace on your cheeks. And Satan wants nothing more than for you to bow to his lies. Shadrach, Mishach, and Abednego said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand O King. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Keep fighting the devil’s schemes! Love you both!
Amen, Amy! Have been so challenged and encouraged by the testimony of these three young men in Dan. 3. Thank you for this word and for your prayers. Love you, friend.
Hi Kristen. I have been praying for you from the beginning of your journey with cancer. And shortly after you were diagnoses I began having health problems of my own. Losing function in my hands, spending days in a wheelchair unable to walk, and expereiencing pain like never before. Docs are baffled, but we know God is not. He has provided all that I and my husband and two young children have needed. And He has encouraged me so much through your blog posts. Thanks for writing. It’s easier to remain faithful alongside sisters like you!