God Can Handle Your Predicament

Have you ever been in a -- Predicament?

I recently came across an appropriate description of a predicament: -- A predicament occurs when an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice law suits finds himself in need of major surgery. -- Now that's a predicament!

We Americans use a number of words to describe a predicament.

If you're from the East -- you probably know about "being in a pinch."

If you're from the South -- you're "between a rock & a hard place."

If you like to cook -- you're "in a jam" -- or "in a pickle."

There are all manner of such expressions. Foreigners -- trying to decipher our lingo -- must scratch their heads in bewilderment as they hear us talking about being "up a wall" -- "up a tree" -- "in a corner" -- "up against it" -- & "hard-pressed."

It may be that right now you find yourself in some sort of a predicament. You might be in that situation because of an unwise series of decisions you have made. Or you might find yourself in a predicament through no fault of your own -- it occurred because of circumstances beyond your control. Perhaps you're being impacted from the fallout of someone else's failure.

Your situation might be related to a son/a daughter who is not walking with the Lord. -- He/she has grown & left the nest; -- & too old to discipline. And yet you're still the parent -- & with all your heart you want your child to walk with God. To say something might only make matters worse; -- to say nothing would be less than what you should do. You're in a jam. -- A catch-22. -- A real predicament. Your predicament might be related to your work. Your predicament might be related to something at school -- or something in your home. -- It might be a relational issue. Whatever it is -- you find yourself squeezed into a tight place -- & you see no way out. -- You're in a predicament.

Perhaps the lines on your face are beginning to lengthen & deepen -- because try as you might -- the predicament clings to you like cheap cologne. -- You cannot walk away from it. If that's your story -- I'm happy to report that you will find a measure of comfort in the events recorded in Exodus 14.

Exodus 14 describes the most involved predicament the people of Israel ever faced -- yet they lived to tell the story! -- And tell it they did! It became the most celebrated event in all of Jewish history. The crossing of the Red Sea is one of the most remarkable episodes found in the pages of Holy Scripture.

The crossing of the Red Sea is a central part of the story of Israel.

So when we find ourselves in a predicament -- there are lessons to be learned in Exodus 14. -- This wonderful chapter teaches us that "man's extremity is God's opportunity." It might well be -- that the only solution to your predicament is in fact a miracle! -- That is what Israel learned -- & you can learn it too.

Keep in mind the fact that the Israelites in this story had been living in Egypt all their lives. Not one Israelite whom God was about to deliver under Moses' leadership had been born & raised outside of Egypt. Their lifestyle was Egyptian to the core! As a result -- God needed to teach His people a new lifestyle. But in order for Him to do that -- God first had to get their attention. That is why God brought them to the Red Sea -- a predicament with a capitol P.

Before we dig into Exodus 14 -- let's glance back to a verse from the previous chapter -- (13:18) -- "So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea" (NIV). Notice that it was God Who led Israel to the Red Sea. Israel came to this predicament at God's direction. Their predicament wasn't an accident. -- It wasn't because they had made a wrong turn. -- It wasn't a miscalculation. God knew they needed the Red Sea experience in order to learn some things from Him. This was one of those valuable lessons they needed to learn early in their journey.

Then -- take a look at Exodus 13:21-- "the Lord went ahead of them." So God both "led" them" -- & "went ahead of them." And how did God go before them? -- Now this is interesting! "The Lord guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day -- & a pillar of fire at night. -- That way they could travel whether it was day or night. -- And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from their sight" (13:21-22 NLT). -- Now that, my friends -- is pretty incredible! Have you ever struggled in an attempt to know the will of God for your life? -- I sure have at times! -- Some of my deepest wrestlings involve trying to discern God's desire & His way. I must confess that at times I have looked with envy on the Israelites for their cloud by day & fire by night! -- Oh, how simple! In their case -- it was as easy as playing Follow the Leader. When the cloud moved forward -- they moved forward. When it backed up -- they backed up. -- When it stopped -- they stopped. Nothing to decipher -- just follow the cloud by day & the fire by night.

That's how simple it was for the Israelites when it came to following God's leading. -- Simply by following the cloud by day & the fire at night -- they were led directly to the Red Sea.

But look with me at the predicament into which they found themselves. Suddenly they discovered they were boxed in -- & they were in a very tight spot.

Israel knew that the armies of Pharaoh were pursuing them -- & that, with the Red Sea facing them -- & with huge mountains of either side -- they were trapped! -- There was no avenue of escape! They were boxed in; -- a geographical trap with no possibility of escape. We read in Exodus 14:10 -- "As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, & there were the Egyptians, marching after them. -- They were terrified..." Yes, they were sore afraid -- & they began to cry out for help!

Are you afraid today? -- Afraid of the predicament in which you find yourself? -- Afraid as to what your future holds? -- Afraid you are trapped? Then watch as together we learn from an Old Testament event.

There are three things I want you to see in this great passage from God's Word.

1. The Desperation of the Situation!

The fear of Israel was legitimate! -- Put yourself into the picture! You are one among two million in the Israeli camp. You have traveled with God's people to this cul-de-sac in the wilderness. You have followed what you believed to have been God's guidance. But all of a sudden you hear something in the distance. -- Thunder? Perhaps it is a storm sweeping across the horizon. You look back -- only to see a cloud of dust rising -- drawing nearer. Wait a minute -- that rumbling is not thunder; -- it's horses & chariots. Thousands of them! -- Every chariot in Egypt! Word on the grapevine travels fast: --"Pharaoh's coming! -- It's going to be a massacre!" And panic blows through the ranks of Israel like a blast of cold wind.

Can you almost hear your own testimony in these words from verse 10? -- "As Pharaoh (that old devil) -- approached, the Israelites looked up, & there were the Egyptians, marching after them. -- They were terrified..." -- What an understatement that is! When they saw those Egyptians -- they were scared out of their wits. So -- according to verse 10 -- they "cried out to the Lord for help!"

This is the first time we read of the Israelites crying out to God en masse. Isn't it remarkable what a predicament will do to your proud -- independent spirit? You walk along with an arrogant attitude -- strutting your way through life like a human peacock. But then things begin to change -- & it isn't long before you come to the end of your rope. -- Suddenly you realize -- "Hey, I'm in a jam!" So you look up, my friend -- & you begin to cry out to God.

But -- but immediately after they cried out to God -- unfortunately -- they began to look for someone to blame! Isn't that the way we usually handle a predicament? First -- if we're in touch with God at all -- we cry out. And secondly -- if relief doesn't immediately arrive -- we begin to look for someone to blame.

In this case -- they picked on God's chosen leader. After all -- he has broad shoulders. -- And he got us into this! I can almost hear their sarcasm as they say to Moses -- in verses 11-12 "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? -- What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? -- Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? -- It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die here in the desert!"

After all -- in a predicament like this -- who can resist saying: -- "Told you so!" -- The Israelites threw it right in Moses' face! They were saying -- "We were better off as slaves in Egypt than as corpses in the wilderness." I call such thinking nothing more than human perspective! They are no longer looking up! -- They are looking around! They begin to whine instead of shine; -- they play instead of pray!

Humanly speaking -- predicaments are terrible experiences. If you stay in one long enough -- you will begin to question the very roots of your faith. -- By & by you will begin to look for someone to blame! You say to someone -- "Look, I took your counsel. -- I did what you said. -- But here I am at the end of my rope. -- I've tied a knot, I'm hanging on -- & I'm dangling. -- There's no place to fall & you're the reason I did that!" Can you see the desperation of their situation? Can you feel the desperation of your own situation?

I am extremely impressed with Moses' response in this desperate situation! -- He did not say -- as most people are prone to say: -- "God helps those who help themselves." Oh, so many people think that despicable saying comes from the Bible. But, my friends -- the Bible no where says "God helps those who help themselves." No! -- The whole message of the Bible is -- God helps the helpless! As long as we are helping ourselves -- who needs God? It's when we reach the end of our rope -- & we're dangling out in space -- that we finally cry out saying: "God, help me!" And God says: -- "I will. -- Just let go!" You see -- the dispute was not between Pharaoh & Israel -- or even between Israel & Moses -- but rather between God & Pharaoh; -- between God & the enemy of our soul! So that leads us to our next point: --

2. The Declaration of the Supreme!

Notice Moses' more Biblical response to this desperate situation. He says in verse 13 -- "Do not be afraid." -- Now that sounds like strange advice in the midst of this desperate situation. But Moses isn't done! -- He goes on to say: -- "Stand firm & you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. -- The Egyptians you see today -- you will never see again. -- The Lord will fight for you; -- you need only to be still" (14:13-14). Now -- there is a prescription for people in an inescapable predicament. Don't be afraid, -- stand still, -- & watch how God comes through. When you are in a real predicament -- & especially when you are led there by God Himself -- it is then you will discover some good surprise -- designed just for you! That's why Moses said: -- "Look, let's stand still. -- There's a great blessing here for us that we will miss if we turn tail & run."

Remarkable as it may seem -- the Israelites did exactly what Moses had instructed -- & God came through again! -- He always does! Listen to the declaration of the Supreme God -- as He tells Moses what to do! -- In verse 15 -- the Lord said: "Tell the Israelites to move on." I love that! -- There's the Red Sea in front of you -- & God says: "Move forward. -- March on!" God goes on to say to Moses: -- "Raise your staff & stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. -- I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. -- And I will gain glory through Pharaoh" (14:15-17).

What a declaration! -- "Fear not! -- Move forward! -- See the salvation of the Lord." All the proud, haughty, threatening Egyptians would soon be pale corpses strewn along the shore of the Red Sea. God always has a better plan! -- Be sure to listen to what God has to say!

3. The Deliverance from the Scene!

Scripture tells us that as Moses & the Israelites acted in faith -- & in obedience to God's Word -- that "the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel's army -- withdraw & went behind them" (14:19). What does that mean? -- It means that God moved in between the Israelites & their enemies!

It was then that God performed a massive miracle! As Moses raised his hand over the sea -- the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night -- turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the sea on dry ground -- with walls of water on each side! -- What a deliverance!

And those gullible pagans fell right into God's trap as they tried to follow the Israelites! -- All of Pharaoh's horses & chariots followed them across the bottom of the sea. -- But God threw them into confusion! Their chariot wheels began to come off -- making the chariots impossible to drive. -- The Egyptians shouted -- "Let's get out of here! -- The Lord is fighting for Israel against us!"

Remember what the Lord had said? -- "When this is over, they will know that I am the Lord." But not all of them would be around to remember anything! For when all the Israelites were safely on the other side -- the Lord said to Moses -- "Raise your hand over the sea again. -- Then the waters will rush back over the Egyptians." The Egyptians were caught in the middle of the angry tsunami -- & as the Bible says: -- "The Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea" (14:26). Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea -- not a single one survived!

Nothing short of a massacre took place that day -- but the Israelites were not the victims! By the end of the day -- not one of the Egyptian soldiers who had pursued Israel had a pulse! -- Not a single Egyptian lived through God's ambush! Please notice -- the Bible doesn't say the Israelites killed a single man -- because they didn't. It doesn't say they defended themselves -- because they didn't. It doesn't even say they fought -- because they didn't. They simply listened to God -- & they obeyed God. They waited -- they walked through -- then they turned & watched God work! -- Period. -- And God did work! -- What a mighty deliverance! God did it all -- precisely as He had planned to do -- when He led them into their predicament in the first place.

Conclusion: -- Isn't it remarkable what God can do without our help? Sometimes we think -- "My company needs me; -- my church needs me; -- my family certainly needs me. -- Hey, God must need me too." But you know what? -- He doesn't! -- All God needs is our obedience!

The crossing of the Red Sea is to the Old Testament what the Resurrection is to the New Testament. While the scenes are altogether different -- both were astonishing miracles of redemption from the hand of God! This fourteenth chapter of Exodus offers us some timeless lessons! Why does God allow predicaments to come into our lives? Because it often takes such tight places to teach us to relay upon God!

It may be that you have developed a rather humanistic lifestyle. Like Moses -- like the Israelites -- you have rubbed shoulders with folks "in Egypt" -- most of your life. You work with them; -- think like them; -- read their newspapers; -- listen to their music; -- & you have developed their habits. If that is your situation, my friend -- then you may be in for some really tight places very soon -- if you're not there already. When God wants to break the habits of sin in our lives -- He often paints us into some impossible corners. And the longer the duration of the habits -- the tighter the places!

Perhaps you need a divinely inspired miracle in your life to change a habit pattern that has plagued you for years! When you are hemmed in on all sides -- the only place to look is up! When there is no escape before or behind -- to the right or to the left -- we are forced to look up! -- So look up -- & let the Lord fight your battle! Come to the end of yourself -- & let the Lord fight your battle! He must do the fighting if He is to get the glory! If you truly want the Lord to get the glory -- & that's not just lip service -- you must surrender yourself totally to Him; -- surrender your predicament to Him -- & allow Him to do the fighting! He wants to do your fighting in the midst of your predicament. He wants you to lay down your arms in full surrender! He wants you to stand still & watch Him work. That way -- when the victory is won -- all the applause & all the praise & all the glory goes to Him!

Do you feel cornered right now? -- Up against it? -- Almost barren? Listen, dear friend -- your predicament may be by God's design. Why not let God lead you across the Sea today through His marvelous deliverance? A predicament in God's hand is only a highway to the Promised Land!

Pastor Lyle Pettit -- Wynne Chapel -- Cochise, AZ 85606

www.wynnechapel.org