Exodus 14

Over the last year, the Lord has led me to Exodus 14 several times to encourage my heart.  On January 24th (5 days before our adoptive children were declared ours), it was on the docket for the portion I was to read according to my reading plan.  But as I opened up my Bible and started reading the text, it became clear that it was the sovereign hand of God that had ordained the timing of when I would be reading it again.  At a crucial time when I needed it and He met me personally there on those pages. This passage has never been so vibrant before my eyes as it was on that morning.

Normally I don't share the intimate writings between the Lord and I that are written in my prayer journal.  However, I am feeling compelled to see this as an exception, so as to declare the majesty of my King. As I look back and see how precisely He fulfilled each and every word, I am in awe.  My desire is that others will be as well.

Exodus 14:4 - "But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army."

~ God intentionally sets it all up like this because He is setting the stage for one of the greatest acts of His glory.  When the time is right, He wipes out the Israelites' opposition and clears the way for them. Oh Lord, do the same for us! We have faced so many obstacles but if we had not, we also would not have seen you display "I am the Lord".  You have set the stage now, in our adoption case. We have endured much opposition.  Eyes are watching to see what You will do.  I ask, as your Daughter, that Monday be the right time for you to wipe out our opposition and clear the way ahead. Thank You for this new surge of hope from the Scriptures. You will get all the glory.

Exodus 14:13-14 - "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."

~ Every word is fresh for now.  I need to not be afraid for Monday.  I must stand firm and see the deliverance You will bring that day.  The Court of Appeal we will never see again.  You, the Lord, will fight for us; we need only to be still.  To sit still and wait requires tremendous strength, and you supply it by your Holy Spirit.

Exodus 14:19-20 - "Then the angel of God who had been in front of Israel's army, went behind them.  The pillar of cloud also did.  The cloud brought darkness to one side and light to the other."

~Oh Lord, would you shed light upon us while You set your stage of glory.

Exodus 14:21 - "all that night, the Lord drove the sea back."

~ Father, Sunday night into Monday, drive the sea back.  You are at work while we wait - far before we see the evidence.  We have a flickering flame of hope that You won't let be blown out.

Exodus 14:24 - "During the last watch of the night, the Lord looked down..."

~ God loves to show up at the last moment, against all odds.

Exodus 14:25 - "Let's get away from the Israelites!  The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt."

~Lord, may all, including our opposition, recognize that God Almighty is fighting for the Joneses and for Sacre and Jova.

Exodus 14:31 - "When the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in Him."

~This is what I want, Abba!  When people see what You have done for us, may they fear You and put their trust in You - some for the first time!