Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Lord who Acts at the Perfect Time

Bible Reading: Exodus 14:10-22

Key verse:  “and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land” (Exodus 14: 21).

DEVOTION

Exodus 14 narrates how Israelites crossed the Jordan river and escaped from the hands of Egyptians. As the Israelites stand at the edge of the Red Sea, fear griped their hearts. Behind them was Pharaoh’s army, advancing with power and rage. Before them was an impassable sea. There is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Panic turns into complaint, and hope seems to disappear. Along with this moment of utter helplessness, the text presents the Lord who act at the perfect time.
God does not part the sea immediately. God allowed His people to feel the weight of their fear, to face the reality of their bondage, and to recognize that salvation cannot come from their own strength. Therefore, the delay was not abandonment rather it was preparation. The Lord waited until Israel reached the end of itself, so that the deliverance will be clearly God’s work alone.
Moses’ words sound almost impossible in that moment: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today” (Ex. 14:13). God’s mercy is revealed not only in the miracle of the divided waters, but in God’s patience with a fearful and complaining people. God does not withdraw because of people’s doubt. Instead, God waited calmly and remained faithful to Israelites. When the time came God acted decisively. The sea opened, a path appeared where none existed, and the people walked through on dry ground. The Lord who waited then moved powerfully. God’s mercy created a way forward, and His presence stands between His people and their enemies.
Many of us know what it means to stand at our own “Red Sea” moments when options are exhausted and fear is loud. This text reminds us that God’s silence is not absence. His waiting is mercy in disguise. God waits, not to frighten us, but to teach us trust. God waits so that when the way opens, we will know it is by His hand alone that we were delivered.

PRAYER

Lord, when I am afraid and feel trapped, help me to trust Your timing. Teach me to stand firm and wait for Your merciful deliverance. Amen.

Thought for the DAY

The Lord sees, the Lord waits, and the Lord will act at the perfect time.

 Rev. Dr. Pramod Zachariah
Epiphany MTC, New York

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