Exodus 14:10-12, "As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses ... ‘What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say, ... "Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians?" It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!'"
Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
An 18-wheeler was driving down the highway the other day, with the words FEAR IS NOT AN OPTION on the back of the truck cab. What an unusual statement! If fear is not an option, then what are the other choices?
The Israelites were understandably filled with fear. We would be, too, if we saw Pharaoh's armies closing in on one side of us with the Red Sea on the other. Where could they go? Had God just delivered them from slavery only to lead them into a trap? Had Moses devised some evil scheme for them to die in the wilderness? They were terrified. What other option did they have?
There aren't many certainties in life, but we can be confident that, at times, we will face trouble. No one is immune to adversity and the fear that accompanies it. But the real problem starts when we allow our minds to run amuck and believe that fear is our only option. We convince ourselves that fear, not God, must be served. STOP! Don't deify fear! We have a choice, which the Bible makes clear: God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Remember, when "Pharaoh's armies" are closing in, and terror strikes, faith is your option!
Where in your life do you feel the most unprotected, unstable, and, therefore, afraid? Remind yourself that fear is not your only option. Today, choose faith and run to the shelter of God's loving embrace.
Dear God, Whenever I'm in trouble and afraid, I don't want to serve fear. I choose, right now, to look to You. Thank You for being my refuge and strength. In Jesus' name, Amen.