Earlier this year, as I worshipped in church praying for our nation and the pending election, the Lord gave me a vision. I saw a sea, colored red. I saw the hand of God part the sea just as He did in Exodus 14 when he saved the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt.
“Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So, the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!” (Exodus 14:21-22)
That same Sunday morning our Pastor said he had been given an image of the Red Sea parting. It was, he believed, a message from God that He would, once again, save us from evil. That He would, once again, rescue His people. Over the years, I have learned to trust the visions I receive; but two of us having the same vision? That had never happened to me.
There were many times this year when I reached back into that vision for comfort. For reassurance that God was not going to abandon our country to the evil that we have welcomed. And yes, we have welcomed it. Through complacency. Through apathy. Through fear.
“But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:13-14)
I wish I could say that I navigated this season without fear or anger. I wish I could say I was a pillar of faith amid a world seemingly descending into hell. I wish I could say that I stood still and trusted that the Lord would rescue us. I wish I could tell you I remained calm. But I can’t. Because I didn’t.
Looking back, I didn’t always act the way I would have liked. Whether it was speaking from anger and frustration, judging others, or arming satan with my fear, I opened a gateway to sinful behavior that too often belittled the promises of God. The promise off a Red Sea moment.
I believe we have just lived through our own Red Sea moment. We have, through prayers and intercession, been granted grace and mercy from our Father in Heaven. He has opened the that leads us back to the Christian principles upon which our great country was founded. And I am profoundly humbled that despite all that we allowed to happen, His love for us is so great that He has offered us another chance.
And the million-dollar question is simply, “What will we do with that chance?” Will we squander it? Will we be like the Israelites and quickly return to grumbling and complaining? If things don’t happen exactly as we want or think they should, will we turn back to worldly trappings and means of provision? Or will we trust in the One who made a path where there wasn’t one.
Let me be very clear. This blog isn’t about a candidate or candidates. It isn’t about a party. It is about the battle of good vs. evil that has escalated in our country as we sat idly by and waited for someone to do something.
The Red Sea moment has passed. But the schemes of the enemy have not. A wounded animal fights for its preservation; satan will not go down without a fight. This is now our Armor of God season. (Ephesians 10:10-18.) The battle starts now. The war will be won on the backs of Christians who take up the Armor and charge into battle. It will be lost in the hearts of those who think it is someone else’s fight.
There is great revival happening in our nation. I believe millions will come to know the grace and love of Jesus.
I can’t tell you what God wants from you in this season. But I challenge you to not waste His grace and pardon. Perhaps you will be called to office. Perhaps you will be called to volunteer. Perhaps you will be called to challenge evil in your schools, workplaces, communities. Perhaps you will be called to lead. Perhaps you will be called to comfort. Perhaps you will be called to lead people to Jesus. Perhaps you will be called to pray.
But hear me, you will be called. And I ask you, what will your answer be?
As for me, I’m praying for the courage and faith of Isaiah. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
The sea has parted. The path is clear. Send me.
This week’s accompanying prayer can be found at https://simplyjoy.online/prayers/send-me/