Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
But then in verse 15, God says something that wrecks me: “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving. Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea.”
The Detour That Readies You for Battle
When Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go, God didn’t lead them on the shortest route to the Promised Land. He took them the long way through the wilderness because “if the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds.”
It is the detour that readies us for battle. 2020 and 2021 have been detours for so many of us. But for the child of God, that detour is not without purpose.
Your Red Sea Moment
The Israelites reach the Red Sea. Behind them: Pharaoh’s entire army. In front of them: an impossible obstacle.
They panic: “Why did you bring us out here to die? Better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!”
Maybe you’re looking at your marriage, your bank account, your wayward child, your health—and thinking the same thing. This is impossible. This isn’t moving.
Moses says, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you.”
But God says: “Get moving. Use what I’ve already placed in your hand. Divide the sea.”
Movement Before the Miracle
After nearly 20 years in local TV news, Ethan and I felt God stirring. We had 18 months left on our contract—a legally binding document. But we couldn’t shake the feeling that God was moving us.
One Wednesday, my boss called me in. I thought I was in trouble. Instead, she wanted to offer us a new five-year contract—18 months early. That’s when I realized: there was nothing on the surface showing movement, but God is always moving behind the scenes.
The Question That Changed Everything
When we met with Convoy of Hope, Hal asked: “God is going to use you wherever you are. The question is: God, where can you use me the most in this season?”
In our flesh, we thought it was staying in news. But as we sought the Lord, it became clear: vocational ministry.
I went running and told God, “I’m not moving until I hear Your voice.” After hours, I found a rain-soaked book on a bench, opened to Isaiah 55—the exact chapter hanging above my fireplace from a prophecy five years ago about going to the nations.
I knew. We were supposed to go.
The Contract That Disappeared
When we resigned, our general manager came to us with a new contract. The penalty? Completely null and void.
That doesn’t happen in television news. But God parts the water. Fearsome chariots made completely ineffective. Weighty contracts wiped out. Because the God of heaven moved on our behalf.
Your “That Day” Moment
Everyone needs a “that day” moment—when God says, “Today is the day. The very obstacle you thought was going to take you out will be your deliverance.”
Whatever Red Sea you’re staring down right now—the doctor’s report, the bank account, the wayward child, the impossible goal—get moving.
Get moving even though it looks impossible, because God will fight for you. Contracts are important, but covenants trump contracts. When God calls you to something, He empowers you to do it.
The water is already beginning to part. You just have to take the first step.
What impossible obstacle is God calling you to move toward today?
Want more encouragement? Follow Sara’s daily devotionals on Instagram @saraforhetz or tune in weekdays 6-10 AM on 88.3 The Wind.
