By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; when they attempted it, the Egyptians drowned. (Hebrew 11:29, NASB)
There is a magical moment in the golf swing that we refer to as “the transition,” The simplest explanation of this moment is the point where you have shifted roughly 75% of your weight to your back foot. The shoulder is turned, your hands are high, and your internal clock tells you to change direction.
Weight transfer to the left side, the hips turn to create power, and now approximately 75% of your weight should be on the left foot. Ideally, you are posing in perfect balance as the golf ball is launched toward the target.
Another “transition” is seen in the book of Exodus. This “passing through” had to do with Israel’s exodus from Egypt, when a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, the Red Sea, was the only way to escape to the promised land.
After some initial reluctance, Moses listened to God and obeyed. The Red Sea parted when he raised his hands, and Moses led the Israelites across dry ground.
When Pharoah gave chase, the sea enveloped all his chariots, horses, and soldiers. The Israelites saw the incredible power of God displayed against the Egyptians, feared the Lord, and put their trust in him.
This story continues with lessons in the wilderness of learning to trust God’s many and various provisions. Their journey is often referenced as a pattern for our journey with Christ.
Occasionally, we see a few men trust and obey. Sadly, too many times, we observe them “wandering in the desert” because of a lack of trust.
For Moses to lead over two million people across the desert against the greatest of odds, humanly speaking, he had to trust God.
Today’s verse says, “by faith, they passed through.” Moses believed in God’s purpose and power, not his feeble wishes and dreams. Through prayer, Moses transitioned to a much higher calling and encountered the living God.
Are you at a transition stage in your career where retirement is not that far away? This can be an exciting time, as much as it might appear frightening. While the idea of having every day open to do whatever strikes your fancy, there may be a nagging feeling that God is calling you in a different direction for the “back nine of life.”
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of our works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Just as God was with Moses performing miracles, perhaps he is calling you into your next season of life, a life that God prepared for you before the foundation of the world. That is a transition worth considering.
Some of us are in the “fourth quarter of life,” and it’s time to live for his purpose. Have faith; God will provide. Let’s finish strong and lift the trophy to Christ!
Prayer: Thank you for all the gifts you have provided, Lord. Please help us to discern the best use of them and always glorify you in all we pursue.