Surrounded by Impossible
We’ve all been there, surrounded by the impossible. No matter which way we go, the odds are against us. Regardless of the direction we take, we don’t see how we can win or come out even.
The Israelites found themselves in this situation when they fled from slavery in Egypt. Through Moses, God had ended their captivity. They started walking and soon found themselves with the Red Sea on one side and the pursuing Egyptians – since Pharaoh changed his mind – on the other (Exodus 13-14).
The people reacted in fear, and here’s how Moses responded.
“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)
God then delivered the Israelites by making a path through the Red Sea. He then closed that path when the Egyptians were crossing in pursuit.
Focus on God
God’s people are reminded of this event many times in their history because it helps them to focus not on the impossible situation surrounding them but on the ability of God to do the impossible in any situation.
One example comes in Isaiah 43 where Isaiah is writing to God’s people who are now in captivity in Babylon. He reminds them of what God did with the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptians before he then encourages them to think even bigger.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
You may feel like your situation is impossible. You may even feel surrounded. Maybe you’ve created the situation through your own choices or maybe life is just being life.
Whatever the reason, remember that the God of the Israelites is your God too. He will make a way where there is no way for you. He will fight for you.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
No rock is too big for God to move. No hard place is impossible for him to overcome. Trust. Look. Cast. Hope. Be strengthened. With God, you can move from impossible to prosperous.
