“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” Isaiah 48:17 (NLT)
Exodus 14:21-22, Exodus 24
GThe Israelites were slaves in Egypt. For four hundred and thirty years, they called out to God to rescue them from Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let God’s people go free.
Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites leave, so God sent plagues—bad things like diseases, disasters, and death. After each plague, Moses went back to Pharaoh, but Pharaoh still would not let the Israelites go. Then, after the tenth plague, Pharaoh set the people free, and Moses led them out of Egypt.
Just after they escaped, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army to capture the Israelites. The Egyptians were right behind them when the Israelites got to the Red Sea. Moses raised his hands, and God split the sea in two. As soon as the Israelites made it safely to the other side, Moses raised his hands again, and God then put the water back into place, wiping out the entire Egyptian army.
God knew what Israel needed to be set free from slavery. He also knew what was best for them after leaving Egypt. Israel had a long journey ahead of them to the land that God promised them, but God made a covenant—an agreement—with Israel. God asked the Israelites to obey Him and trust Him to take care of them.
Just like God rescued Israel from Egypt, God rescues us from sin. Because God sent us Jesus, we can tell God that we’ve disobeyed Him,believe in what Jesus did for us, and choose to follow Him, and He will save us! He then helps us turn away from our sin and live His way. When we follow Jesus, we’re never alone. Just like He brought Israel through the Red Sea, He will bring us through whatever we are going through because He loves us, and He knows what’s best for us!
What does this story teach us about trusting God when we have problems?
How can we keep trusting God when we can't see what He is doing next?
Thank You, God, for always being with us. We know that You know what’s best, and that You want us to trust You. We love You, and we want to put our trust completely in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.