This is what the Lord says - who makes a way in the sea, and a path through raging water, who brings out the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty one together (they lie down, they do not rise again; they are extinguished, put out like a wick ) - “Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Wild animals - jackals and ostriches - will honor me, because I provide water in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people. The people I formed for myself will declare my praise. —Isaiah 43:16-21
“Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today.” —Exodus 14:13
God will make a way for
“This is what the Lord says — who makes a way in the sea, and a path through raging water, who brings out the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty one together (they lie down, they do not rise again; they are extinguished, put out like a wick).” —Isaiah 43:16-17
Our God is the God who
“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Wild animals - jackals and ostriches - will honor me, because I provide water in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people. The people I formed for myself will declare my praise.” —Isaiah 43:19-21
The way God moved in the
“Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You, Lord, are the only God.” —Nehemiah 9:5-6
Red Sea moments we face:
Entering into a
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” —John 14:6
Various
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” —John 16:33a
“But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33b
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” —C.S. Lewis
The reality of
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” —Psalm 23:4
“When I come to the river at the ending of the day, when the last winds of sorrow have blown, there’ll be somebody waiting to show me the way, I won’t have to cross the Jordan alone…Jesus died all my sins to atone, in the darkness I see, He’ll be waiting for me, I won’t have to cross the Jordan alone.” —Thomas Ramsey
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior.” —Isaiah 43:1-3
For further study:
Scripture: Exodus 14; Nehemiah 9; John 12:1-8; Psalm 126
Resources: “A Beautiful Disaster” by Marlena Graves
Community Group Guide:
What would it have been like for the people of God on the edge of the Red Sea or in exile in Babylon?
How can you relate with their experience?
How has God made a way for you in the past?
How can God make a way for you in the future?
Spend time praying for people in a “Red Sea” moment.
To prepare for next week: The Broken Body and Shed Blood; Luke 22:14-23