While reading my devotional this morning in Exodus I see God’s guidance in my life in such a similar way. I came out of Egypt – out of sin and slavery – but my journey has not always been one of understanding or comfort. I have not always been obedient and faithful. The journey has from time to time felt like I was roaming in the wilderness afraid, feeling alone, and yet there was a knowing that God was with me. He was guiding me.
There have been many promised lands in my life – times when God’s truth and redemption shined so bright in my life. There have been many Red Seas that have been crossed – times when the enemy of my soul seemed to have won – but God parted the waters – lead me through the danger – delivered me from those that were to strong for me – He set my feet on dry ground and defeated the foe. There have been times when the Lord has guided me through the darkest night and grayest day with His presence – like the pillar of fire and cloud.
As I meditated on these similarities I wanted to see where in Exodus God would say to His people, “I am with you”. I searched through seven translations, utilized biblical tools only to find that the phase, “I am with you”, is not used at all in the book of Exodus. However the word “promised” is used over and over. I have always seen the book of Exodus as a book of God’s presence leading His people out of slavery and wickedness into the Promised Land. I have always seen this book as one that demonstrates God the great “I am” is with His people. Yet this morning I was first taken-a-back that God does not say “I am with you” in this book. I would think they needed to hear that, I know I do. Yet in my confusion God spoke to me and said this is a book about “faith”. It is ultimately a book about a promise and the promise is given by our faithful, trustworthy, perfect, pure and wise God. Then it hit me…even when I stand on the banks of the Red Sea – my back against sure destruction; even when I am afraid wondering in uncertainty – in the darkest night and grayest day; even when I feel trapped by my sin and shame – held captive by my foe. In those times of silence, confusion, uncertainty…God is with me by faith.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
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“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and
assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
From my heart to yours,
DaNetta Fernandez
