Isn’t it wonderful that we’re not alone? Even in this unique season where we are not yet released to travel and safely connect in person without restrictions and adaptations, we are still connected. It’s important, I think. Very important.
Someday soon, when we look back on this season, I anticipate that when, why, how and how often we connect may be some of the most significant and lasting outcomes of the many imminent changes of the world’s developing “new normal.”
One of the things I enjoy most about working closely with our BDI team and partners is the enrichment of perspective that comes from collaboration: When we, navigating similar challenges and having common goals, rotate the faceted gem of life and share insight from our unique experience of the light’s reflections.
Our team, along with peers in the ministry, nonprofit and philanthropic communities across the nation, are “rotating the gem” on a daily basis to better understand the scope and meaning of the sea changes we’re experiencing in our nation.
In that spirit, Randy Brewer, BDI’s founder and board chairman, looks back to find inspiration and adds context for great enthusiasm looking forward – right in the midst of this current mess.
The Middle of a Miracle
Exodus 14 describes the events of Moses leading the people of Israel through the Red Sea. They were being chased by Pharaoh and his many soldiers and chariots seeking to bring them back into slavery in Egypt. What a scene.
Behind them, the people of Israel saw Pharaoh, some 600 chariots filled with soldiers all in hot pursuit. And in front of them, the daunting Red Sea. It’s no wonder they feared for their lives and cried out to Moses complaining that it would have been better for them to have stayed in Egypt as slaves. But wait – until then, God had been doing miracle after miracle for them in their deliverance. So why would they now question God and have so little faith?
Moses would have none of it. His instructions were, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you only have to be silent.” (Ex. 14:13-14 (ESV))
Wow. In essence, chill. Shut up and let God work! I wonder how many times God has wanted to say the same to us… to me??
Put yourself in that Red Sea moment. Consider if, while standing on the banks of the water with a million other people, a sudden east wind whips up the water. This is not your ordinary desert breeze. These are hurricane force winds strong enough to part the sea and dry the entire bottom of the sea! (What???) Moses led them into what looked like a dry valley with huge walls of water on each side and terrifying winds, while on the ground, every type of chaos ensued. And don’t forget the pillar of smoke which lit up the night keeping the Egyptian forces from coming near the fleeing Israelites.
What would you be thinking? I’d be running for my life. Fearful of the water crashing down on me. Worried about what awaited me on the other side. Scared to death that the Egyptians would catch up. Forgetting the past ways God had delivered me.
In the middle of a miracle… and I’d probably be missing it.
Today, as I write, we’re all being chased by an enemy. COVID-19 is relentless. The death and heartache is real. Many have been in quarantine for weeks on end. The economies of the world, especially the US, are on shaky ground. The future is unknown.
And yet you, my dear friends and colleagues, are risking everything to love and serve those who are hurting, homeless and hungry, and spiritually in great need.
Because of that, I’m reminded of God’s command: “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV))
We’re crossing the Red Sea right now, on dry ground… and in the middle of a miracle. Let’s remember to look up and celebrate what He’s doing, even if the enemy is closing in and towering walls of water seem ready to crash down on us. His promise is that He’s bringing us safely to the other side. Praise God for His deliverance, then, now and forever.
We do praise God for His love and leadership as we struggle with many unknowns.
From this example where the Lord’s chosen people are running towards a new and unknown land that promises to be significantly different from their past, I also see wisdom that parallels what we believe is critical to do now:
- Have a plan and work the plan.
- Trust yourself, trust others and trust the Lord.
- Hold on to your faith, let go of the past and keep moving!
As always, it is a privilege to work through this season of great ministry opportunity with you as we serve the lost and hurting.
“Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord,
Exodus 14:13 (ESV)
which He will work for you today.”
