BIG IDEA: Our Dead Ends are God’s Open Doors.

Exodus 13:17-18 (NLT)
17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus, the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.

Exodus 14:1-3 (NLT)
Then the Lord gave these instructions to Moses: 2 “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon. 3 Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’

God Often Leads Us to Impossible Places

God is not in a hurry. He rarely operates on our timelines. He works patiently, often leading us into seasons where we have nothing left to do but trust Him. —John Mark Comer

Isaiah 55:8
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

God Fights For Us When We Stand Still

Exodus 14:13-14
13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference… —Reinhold Niebuhr

Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God

Stillness is the space where we lay down the illusion of control and receive peace from the One who actually holds the world together. —John Mark Comer

God Makes a Way When There Is No Way

Exodus 14:21-22
21 Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. 22 So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!