Dear Ones:
Sometimes we forget that God is the God of all circumstances. This is particularly hard to grasp and remember when difficult and trying times come, especially on the individual level. But to believe that he is sovereign, and that in the “narrowness” of circumstances, and feeling cornered at times, there is this realty: “He purposeth a crop.” (Samuel Rutherford)
When Israel was fleeing Pharoah and his army, they were being led by a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night. (Ex. 13:21) Now, nothing could be so reassuring as being in the will of God than this, so clear, so convincing. Then the optics change, and the people begin to feel “cornered.” They see in the distance the army of Pharoah, perhaps one of the most powerful in the world. But more, they see rage and a determination by their former taskmasters, to enslave them again accompanied by much suffering and death. The result of this sight: “…they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord.” (14:10) Where was the reassurance that they had just a short time before, when they saw the pillars of cloud and fire? They had lost sight of the fact that God, the God of their circumstances, though He was leading them into very narrow circumstances, He was going to meet them in a most remarkable way, also bringing down destruction on their enemies, who had so oppressed them.
Moses, so instrumental in this marvelous work of God, had his moment of trial also, for he saw very clearly that the people were pinned in, cornered, with Pharaoh coming at them from the West, and the Red Sea cutting off any route of escape to the west. Even if they had been able to flee on foot, they would not have been able to outrun Pharoah’s army. Howeveer, God would “…make a way of escape” in His way, and in His time. What does the Lord require in order to bring about such a great deliverance? Very simply, faith and obedience. Moses had declared to the people: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord which He will shew to you today.” (v.13) The call is to reject all fear, and take a stand of faith…a stand to believe that “He who had begun a good work…would finish it.” (Phil. 1:6) It is to be a stand taking the position that “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above that which ye are able, but with the temptation, provide a way of escape.” (1 Cor. 10:13) And lastly, they were to take their stand, believing: “Faithful is He who calls you who also WILL do it.” (1 Thess. 5:24) And so it is with us. God brings us into limited circumstances where we do not see a way out, but we must remember, “…He purposeth a crop.” Is it easy to believe, to have faith and obey at such times? No. Even Moses had his moment of weakness. At one point the Lord told him: “Wherefore criest thou unto me? (i.e. why are you continuing to cry out to Me for deliverance?) Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward.” (v.15) There comes a moment when it is no longer a question of prayer for deliverance, but of obediently going forward, believing God to “show” His salvation, His glory. However, we must realize that the “moment” may not be a convenient one, and this, because the circumstances have not yet changed.
When Peter got out of the boat to come to Jesus at His command, the storm was still raging, and I believe the wind and the waves were just as strong. Not convenient. When the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant were instructed by Joshua to step into the Jordan river, so that the people could pass over, the Jordan was still overflowing its banks. Not convenient. It would only be when the people of Israel purposed in their hearts to go forward, and Peter was determined to step out of the boat, and the priests put their feet into the waters of Jordan, that the intervention of God was revealed. And so, it is with us. Jesus said to Martha, “If you believe, you will SEE the glory of God.” But He also said, “Take away the stone.” It will only be when the stone is removed that the miracle occurs. Faith has feet, and those feet must go forward.
So, let us remember that being “cornered” is an opportunity to meet God, or rather, to be met by Him. He demands faith at such times, for His promises are certain. He will not, and cannot fail to meet us…most certainly, beyond what we could ever ask or think, and in the circumstances of His choosing.
Love, Dad