The Israelites were finally free from their oppression. They probably thought that their greatest battles were behind them, but God had something different He wanted to do. He told Moses of His plan for the Egyptians to know He was God. Moses knew the Egyptians would be coming, and the Israelites knew that they were to turn around to camp. When the Egyptians came into view, even at a distance, the Israelites were overcome with fear. They were terrified that the chains that had bound them in slavery would forever hold them captive. Instead of believing God, fear crippled their faith. How could God have brought them this far and leave them? God didn’t reveal all of His plans back in Egypt, because He didn’t want the people to live in fear. Furthermore, if God had told the Israelites the plan in Egypt, they would have never left. Even though they were surrounded, the Israelites had a front row seat to see God’s miraculous power about to be displayed. The Red Sea would part, and the story would be told for generations.

We may pray asking to know God’s plans for our lives for the next forty years, but we would be terrified if He answered on our timeframe. You may think you can’t move forward until you know God’s exact plan. However, He tends to reveal the next step to those who are moving where He leads. We aren’t so different than the Israelites, though. When we are surrounded by obstacles, we can ask why God would bring us this far only to leave us. God just might want to show Himself powerful in your life. We want to experience miracles, but we never want to be positioned where we need one. God is calling you to a place of greater faith, where you trust His heart over trying to figure out all His plans. He wants to do good for you, but He also wants you to know Him. Don’t let the size of the “sea” in front of you cause you to not see how God is moving. He may allow you to be surrounded by obstacles so He can part the “sea” of your circumstances. Let Him write the story as you walk in obedience.