The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground." - Exodus 14:15-16
So there's actually a verse in the Bible where God tells His people to STOP PRAYING and START MOVING.
Really? STOP praying? I don't remember ever hearing a sermon the appropriate time to STOP praying. But here it is, in black and white - God is clearly telling Moses that it's time to stop... and go.
I love, though, that when Israel finally stops praying and starts moving, God does something incredible. He parts the Red Sea and allows His people to walk on dry ground to escape the Egyptians, who are at their heels like ravenous wolves, seeking to return them to slavery under that fickle Pharaoh.
I "get" Moses here though. Caught between a rock and a wet place, he's been crying out to God - seeking His direction and ultimately His deliverance. But God says to Him, "You're the leader - so lead!"
"Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground."
If I was Moses, even though I've seen some pretty incredible stuff, I'd have to respond with a "say WHAT!?" ... "Part the WHAT now!?" There was no precedent for this particular miracle at this point in history. Seas didn't usually split in half so nations of people could pass through them. They don't really do that these days either. This was fairly unique. But it HAPPENED. God said STOP praying and START moving. So the people stopped praying, and started moving. And we have one of the most incredible stories in history.
So let's recap:
1. God's people are praying, seeking direction from Him.
2. God tells them to stop praying.
3. God tells the leader to do something crazy.
4. The leader obeys.
5. God does something amazing!
I'm a leader at a place in my life right now where I'm praying. A lot. Seeking God's guidance and direction for that "next step". And I feel like I'm dangerously close to the "stop praying, start moving" point. God might ask me (and Trisha!) to do something crazy. Hopefully it won't be to stand in front of the ocean and ask it to move. Although...
I'm really anticipating that STOP and GO moment. I'm equal parts anxious and excited, and I know that wherever God leads us, it's ultimately for His glory and our benefit. What about you? Are you on the edge of a Red Sea right now? Praying, seeking, considering, hesitating, waiting? Are you close to the moment where God will say STOP and GO? I'll pray for you! Pray for me. And then... let's GO!
So there's actually a verse in the Bible where God tells His people to STOP PRAYING and START MOVING.
Really? STOP praying? I don't remember ever hearing a sermon the appropriate time to STOP praying. But here it is, in black and white - God is clearly telling Moses that it's time to stop... and go.
I love, though, that when Israel finally stops praying and starts moving, God does something incredible. He parts the Red Sea and allows His people to walk on dry ground to escape the Egyptians, who are at their heels like ravenous wolves, seeking to return them to slavery under that fickle Pharaoh.
I "get" Moses here though. Caught between a rock and a wet place, he's been crying out to God - seeking His direction and ultimately His deliverance. But God says to Him, "You're the leader - so lead!"
"Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground."
If I was Moses, even though I've seen some pretty incredible stuff, I'd have to respond with a "say WHAT!?" ... "Part the WHAT now!?" There was no precedent for this particular miracle at this point in history. Seas didn't usually split in half so nations of people could pass through them. They don't really do that these days either. This was fairly unique. But it HAPPENED. God said STOP praying and START moving. So the people stopped praying, and started moving. And we have one of the most incredible stories in history.
So let's recap:
1. God's people are praying, seeking direction from Him.
2. God tells them to stop praying.
3. God tells the leader to do something crazy.
4. The leader obeys.
5. God does something amazing!
I'm a leader at a place in my life right now where I'm praying. A lot. Seeking God's guidance and direction for that "next step". And I feel like I'm dangerously close to the "stop praying, start moving" point. God might ask me (and Trisha!) to do something crazy. Hopefully it won't be to stand in front of the ocean and ask it to move. Although...
I'm really anticipating that STOP and GO moment. I'm equal parts anxious and excited, and I know that wherever God leads us, it's ultimately for His glory and our benefit. What about you? Are you on the edge of a Red Sea right now? Praying, seeking, considering, hesitating, waiting? Are you close to the moment where God will say STOP and GO? I'll pray for you! Pray for me. And then... let's GO!