Do you ever feel like your life is leading to a dead end? No purpose or aim? Wandering aimlessly in a way that just doesn’t seem to make sense? Well, if that’s you … you’re not alone.
The children of Israel experienced the same thing right after they were freed from slavery in Egypt. They left their past, headed towards a new life, thinking the only option was to head into battle with the Philistines. But God had other plans. He was looking out for them and did not want His children to fear. So, instead of leading them into battle, God directed His children right into a dead end. Literally. He led them right up to the edge of the Red Sea where they were stuck with the entire Egyptian army hot at their heels.
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle. Exodus 13:17-18
You might ask why would God do something like this. Why did He bring His children to a point where they said “we would be better off in slavery than here, simply waiting for our death”? If you read on in the story, it explains that the reason for this is so they would see the deliverance of the Lord. (Exodus 14:10-14)
The purpose of the dead end was so they could not trust their own planning or ability… they had to trust the Lord. And when they did, they also saw His power in amazing and mighty ways that they had never imagined possible.
But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him. Exodus 14:29-31
When the direction of our life looks like its leading to a dead end, let us look to our Deliverer. Let us find hope and comfort in our God and let us like the Israelites say with confidence: “Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them. In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” Exodus 15:11-13
[copyright, 2010, Emily Schankweiler; A Sacrifice of Praise]
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I liked it..never looked at it that way..Thank you
Great article. Very timely reminder for me. I am a church planter coming off of a difficult situation and facing a replant. Thank you!
I think all of us have experienced the dead end where our life seems to be going nowhere quick. Thank you for the wonderful reminder that God brings us to these times to display His glory.
Calvin, I love it when God allows us to see something from a new perspective! That’s so encouraging, thanks for sharing.
Mike, I can imagine what you’re facing really does feel like a dead end, but God is so faithful! You will be in my prayers.
Bill, I’ve sure had my fair share of “dead ends” (it feels like that at times, doesn’t it?). I’m so glad that even then, that God is at work. Thanks for your comments!
Wow God is so amazing! This devotional goes right along with what dealing with and studying this past week. We have to live by the good and perfect will of God! Get rid of dispondency and have faith in God!
Thanks for the message. It seems to speak right at me. I am going thru some terrible times
and i seem not to find my way out or around the problem. Now i understand the man above.