by Tammy Phillips
June 13, 2021
“Who led them through the deep, as a horse in the wilderness, that they might not stumble?” (Isaiah 63: 13 NKJV)
“I like a bumpy ride. I like driving on cobblestones roads and interstate lanes lined with cones that have been scraped for resurfacing,” said no one ever. When I take off on a long journey, I hit the wide-open space of the interstate. The very best ride is when the highway has just been completed resurfaced and it silky smooth with no potholes or obstructions.
When God led Israel though the high congealed walls of the deep in the Red Sea, He gave them a smooth, “newly-resurfaced-interstate” ride. According to Isaiah 63:13, their way was like a wide-open field where a horse could freely run or where cattle could effortlessly be driven, obstacle free. He cleared the obstructive path so they would not stumble, fall, waver, totter in the ankles or be weak in the knees.
Can you imagine being called to the Red Sea with an enemy in fast pursuit? You arrive at the edges of the shore. No boats are insight to deliver you from the oncoming attack the thought crosses your mind of emanate doom. There is NO WAY and then a way is made. You witness the sea part. Your mind is blown and then you must muster up enough courage to take the step of faith to walk through it to the other side.
When we are called into the deep, to places unknown, and into unchartered territory like the bottom of the Red Sea, the Lord said three things that help us go through to the other side:
- “The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.” (Isaiah 26:7 NIV)
The LORD say that He will do the same thing for us, His chosen, that He did for His people at the Sea. He will make our journey level and smooth. We will be free to release the horsepower and drive wherever He is leading.
- “The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones;You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:11 NKJV)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8 NKJV)
When we choose to follow, He will guide us continually. He will teach us the way to go. He will keep His eye on us. Like a mother who does not ever let her child get fully out of her sight. And He will give us unfailing strength to stand, stand and stand. No weak knees. No tottering ankles. Strong and progressing through the deep to the other side.
- “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called [you] by your name; You [are] Mine. When you pass through the deep waters, I [will be] with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I [am] the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; (Isaiah 43:1-3 NKJV)
Got does not call us to walk alone though the “deep.” He is always with us. When we take the step of faith to trust Him, He promises that “deep” will not overtake us.
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)
I enCOURAGE you to follow the Lord through the “deep.” Whatever you are going through, be led by Him. He will take you to and through the unimaginable. If you follow Him, no bumpy rides. He will make a smooth and level way for you to gracefully speed like a galloping horse through the wide-open, unobstructive spaces.
I see peace and freedom! Can you?
Complete in Him 