Obstacles Or Closed Doors

>> Bible Reading: Exodus 14:10-18

10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. 11 They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘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!”

13 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. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 16 Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. 17 I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. 18 The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.”

>> Sermon Title: God Creates a New Path in Your Chaos<<

>> Introduction: Understanding the Context

The story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt highlights God’s power and faithfulness. After 430 years of slavery, God called Moses to lead His people to freedom, marking a critical moment in their journey as they faced the daunting Red Sea.

>> Obstacles or Closed Doors?

At the Red Sea, the Israelites encountered what seemed to be an insurmountable obstacle, gripped with fear. While they saw a dead end, Moses recognized a chance for divine intervention, prompting us to ask: How do we discern whether we face an obstacle to overcome or a closed door?

>> Discerning God's Will: Obstacle or Closed Door?

Our understanding begins by reflecting on how we arrived at our current situation. Moses was there by God’s calling and direction. Likewise, in our lives, if our paths are rooted in prayer and obedience, we can trust that obstacles can be overcome. If we’ve strayed from God’s guidance, we may face closed doors directing us elsewhere.

>> The Power of Surrender and Faith

Even amidst doubt, God had a plan for the Israelites' deliverance. He instructed Moses to “stand still” and trust in His power. This teaches us that true faith involves surrendering fully to God’s will, allowing Him to perform miracles beyond our imagination.

>> Conclusion: The Importance of Prayer and Discernment

Prayer is essential for maintaining our connection with God and discerning His will. When encountering our “Red Seas,” we must ask how we arrived there. Trust in God’s power to part the waters, and seek His guidance in every step. May we have the wisdom to discern His will and the courage to act in faith.