Have you ever been following your GPS, and in your mind, you thought this could not be how I am supposed to go? So many times, I get this feeling, and I usually get messed up with where I am supposed to be. I am amazed that those map apps on our phones always know the fastest or best way to go.

Have you ever doubted the app’s direction and went another way, only to realize you should have listened?

If you have, your decision to go another way was probably influenced by obstacles such as traffic jams or detours. You probably saw those obstacles and thought I needed to return the other way.

God directed Moses to follow a specific path as Israel was leaving Egypt. Moses, who had been in the direction they were heading before, might have wondered why this route. We see in Exodus 14 that Pharaoh saw the path they were taking and thought the Hebrews were lost in the desert. There is little doubt that when they came to the Red Sea and looked behind them, they saw the mighty Egyptian army pursuing them and thought God had led them the wrong way.

To them, it had to be the wrong way. They were trapped between the sea and the army, with nowhere to go.

Confident in the Lord, Moses seeks to calm the people by directing their attention to the Lord and what He would do.

“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” (Ex 14:13-14).

In directing their attention to the Lord, God commands Moses, “…go forward.” This command was like the voice from the map app saying, “Return to the route.” God was letting them know their path was the way He had for them. If they were going to get where they wanted to go, the Promise Land, they had to stay the course.

Staying the course can be challenging; we all know that. It is tough when the circumstances around us are getting harder to handle. This was the situation Israel was facing. Moses had reassured them that God was going to save them. God had given directions to Moses and told him that the sea would part, creating a dry path for them to cross over to escape from the Egyptians. So following the instructions, the next morning, the people followed Moses.

The mighty chariots of Egypt pursued after them as they walked between the massive walls of water. How did they feel? They had to be somewhat fearful or at least concerned about this path. The enemy could catch them and run them over with the wheels of the chariots. The horses that pulled them were powerful as they carried the soldiers with spears and swords in hand. Could the walls of water collapse?

Following the directions of God can be hard when it seems that they are leading you to greater difficulties. The Israelites even considered if being slaves would have been better for them than their current situation. However difficult the path may seem if God has led you there, He will guide you through. Yes, the chariots and the horses were a mighty foe. Yes, the walls of water could be very intimidating. But God had a plan for the path. God would use all of the items that would cause fear for the people for their freedom and victory.

“22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, [even] all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. 26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. 27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, [and] all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.” (Ex 14:22-28)

So, don’t fear the chariot’s wheels; God will cause them to fall off. Don’t fear the horse’s might; God used them to draw the enemy in. Don’t wish the walls of water away; God would use those walls to swallow up the enemy. Trust God and the path He has prepared for you.

If you are off His path, get there. Once you are there, stay there. Your victory is found through the Way he has prepared. You will notice the obstacles, but be okay with them because He will use them for His glory. You will see the challenges; trust that He has positioned them for His purpose. The path He has for you is the path that will bring Him all glory and honor.