When times get tough, or things aren’t going our way, we often think that we must be outside of God’s will. When we disagree with people or don’t enjoy what we are doing, we often decide we must not be doing what God wants us to.
However, the truth is, God often places us in positions that are uncomfortable or difficult. Often, when we look back on our life we see these are the moments that have defined us, grown us, and toughened us.
A good example of this can be found in Exodus 14. The Israelites find themselves with no where to run. The Red Sea is in front of them and Pharaoh’s army is bearing down on them from behind. There is nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. They are in a bad tactical position. Like lambs, they are waiting to be slaughtered. However, when you look at the beginning of this chapter, you see that the Lord specifically led them directly to this spot. He gave them step by step (almost GPS like) directions. God WANTED the people in this spot of weakness.
Once you realize that God specifically placed the Israelites in harms way, one has to ask – Why?
God wanted to show that He could provide. He wanted the people to see that He was their reliance. He wanted to receive the glory from this huge miracle – not only then but now as well. The story of how the sea parted and the Israelites passed on dry ground, and then once they passed, how it swallowed up the enemies of God is a story that resonates with us to this day.
Had God not put the people in that situation, we would not have such a strong testimony of the power of God over all things of this world. We would also not have such a strong example of how God places us where He wants us for His will.
The next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, instead of immediately asking, “How can I get out of this??” I urge you to ask, “How can God work in this situation? How can He receive glory? What is He trying to teach me?” These are not normal questions that come in the flesh. However, when God chooses to work on us, it’s sometimes difficult and rarely comfortable.
Does God have you at a Red Sea moment?