How terrifying it must have been to stand at the edge of the sea and look behind to see angry chariots approaching. How trapped, how awful.
Maybe in some ways we can sympathize with how the children of Israel were “sore afraid” as we watch in our own lives, approaching threats against our families. They move closer and with seemingly increased velocity every day. We recognize the warnings of “calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets” are real, while standing there on the edge we have one to cry out to.
This week’s lesson reminds us who that is—and that we belong to a God who saves.
For the children of Israel that deliverance came in many ways as they escaped Egypt and lived in the wilderness. Sometimes, like at the edge of the Red Sea, all it took for them to participate was putting one foot in front of the other to walk to safety on dry ground. Later the Lord required obedience as with gathering daily manna.
“The Lord always wants to lead us to deliverance through our becoming more righteous. That requires repentance. And that takes humility. So the way to deliverance always requires humility in order for the Lord to be able to lead us by the hand where He wants to take us through our troubles and on to sanctification.” (Henry B Eyring | 2008 BYU Devotional)
In looking for safety for our families, deliverance is likely to look the same. At times keeping our feet on solid ground taking one step at a time is what is needed. At other times He will ask us to be more intentional with our daily efforts.
The Savior is our Deliverer, from death and sin and fear. (Romans 11:26; 2 Nephi 9:12).
And as Moses said unto the people, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord … (He) shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:13-14)