When my heart feels intense fear, there is no telling what my mouth might say. And, the truth is, it would be best if it said nothing at all.
So, the Israelites, having just escaped Egypt with their lives…and gold, silver, clothing, food and livestock…are now up against the wall of the Red Sea. Pharoah, with his hardened heart and all the chariots in Egypt, have the fugitives pinned between slavery and drowning. All 2 million of them.
I’m guessing about half of them had something to say about the quandary. We only have a few comments on record: “Moses! Did Egypt run out of graves? (sarcasm) What have you done? (your fault) Didn’t we tell you to just leave us in slavery? (not our fault).”
Vulnerability without capability. This isn’t just an occasional dilemma. It is a continual and universal reality. Truth is, trouble is inevitable. There was a time I thought I could apply my wit and wisdom and learn how to eliminate it or, at least, reduce it. I spent a lot of time in that battle. I lost. I couldn’t argue or complain my way out of being up against some wall of affliction.
There is a solution to being vulnerable and defenseless: Be quiet. Be still. Don’t run. Release control. Trust God, “stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today.”
Over simplified? Or just Simple Truth?