Faith 2

Faith 2

The people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry land, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides. This was how the Lord rescued Israel from the Egyptians that day. And the Israelites could see the bodies of the Egyptians washed up on the shore. When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had displayed against the Egyptians, they feared the Lord and put their faith in him and his servant Moses.

Exodus 14:29-31

On a vacation to Florida, three men in my family went golfing. My husband, brother-in-law Rick, and son Nate were matched up with one other man to make a foursome. Rick was not a serious golfer, and when he approached the first tee, he was thinking, Just let me get the ball in the air. After he swung and heard a big ping, he felt a momentary relief. But then he watched the ball smack a nearby palm tree, fly back toward him, and land directly behind him. After a few awkward seconds of silence, the fourth man said, “I’ll give you a hundred bucks if you can do that again!”

Surprising events sometimes prompt us to ask, “What are the chances of that happening?” We read throughout the Bible that God performed miraculous acts—supernatural occurrences packed with amazing surprises—to display his power and glory and to demonstrate that he alone is God.

Many of us and our children know the story of how God parted the Red Sea. The Israelites (God’s people) were fleeing from the Egyptians (the oppressors). In an astonishing display of power, God parted the waters of the Red Sea, allowing his people to cross on dry ground. In addition, the Egyptians who were hot on their trail were drowned as the waters of the sea closed in on them.

In an astounding and wonder-working way, God demonstrated how he protects and cares for his children. He also demonstrated his wrath upon people who harden their hearts against him. God’s message was not wasted on the people of Israel, and it’s still a message for us today: God wants us to put our faith in him.

Powerful God,

Thank you for accounts of your might that show us who you are and prompt us to trust you. Amen.