I left the apartment in a rush, phone and camera in my pocket. I only had half-an-hour before we were leaving to go out for supper and I wanted to spend my last evening in Manta, Ecuador watching the sunset over the ocean. The solitude was refreshing. Traffic buzzed beside me on the road, speeding towards their various destinations; the sidewalk sparkled in the evening sun with blue pieces of glass, advertising the ocean-side hostel I passed. Turning right, I walked the block to the beach entrance. The joyful roar of the waves pounding the surf hummed as I sat down on the steps, breathing in the salty air. The monotonous sounds of the ocean lulled me as I reflected on the summer. Wow, how time had passed. It had originally been in November of 2015 when I first heard God call me to go to Ecuador for the summer of 2016.
Some may ask, what in the world was I thinking? I was considering spending the summer before my senior year of college in a foreign country without a paycheck. This was crazy. It was illogical, according to my practical self. How would I make money? How would I pay for my last year of college? All these questions assaulted me.The thing God wanted me to do seemed crazy to my anxious mind. However, one fact trumped my questions and worries.
God was calling me to do it. This was faith.
Following Jesus as born-again Christians can put us in, what appears to be, tight situations. In the Bible God calls us to do things that challenge social norms, our own comfort zones, our logical and practical selves, and may often appear impossible. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I want to be a sheep walking into the ocean. God’s path may not always make sense, but it always leads into God’s perfect plan.
It had been years and years of slavery in Egypt for the Israelites. Oppressive and dark times. And finally, Pharaoh was letting God's people go. When they left Egypt, God did not lead the Israelites on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt”. So God led the people around by the desert road towards the Red Sea (Exodus 13:17-18). The Israelites probably would have preferred the shorter path, I am sure; but God knew their rebellious ways would lead them back towards Egypt and slavery. No, indeed. God's path for them was one only He understood. "God’s path for them led through the sea, His way through the mighty waters, though His footprints were not seen. He led His people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron" (Read Psalm 77:19-20).
Can you imagine the confusion, fear, and frustration encountered by the Israelites when they were trapped against the Red Sea by the Egyptian army? Just picture it. Everyone around you is rejoicing, singing, and running ahead in freedom; after over 100 years of being in slavery, God’s people are finally free. The Red Sea glistens in the sun ahead of you as you continue your freedom march. But suddenly, you hear the war cries of the Egyptian army behind you!
If I was an Israelite I would be shouting, “What was God thinking? The sea traps us. There’s no other way out. I’m going to die! God led me to die! AHHHHHH! We should have gone through the Philistine country! We could have at least all spread out and run to hide”. My logic and pride would have kicked in because I would think I knew better than God.
And yet. . . “God’s path for them led through the sea, His way through the mighty waters, though His footprints were not seen. He led His people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron” (Read Psalm 77:19-20).
God didn’t let His people die. In fact, He didn’t let a single one get hurt. Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left” (Exodus 14:21-22). Hallelujah, the way was cleared! God’s path and call for the Israelites proved true and safe. Though they were in a tight spot for a night, God provided in their impossible circumstances.
Lord, let me be a sheep in the ocean.
I want to follow my Lord into the turbulent ocean of the Christian life. I want to follow His footprints, though I do not see them. I want to be a sheep following my trustworthy Shepherd. Faith often asks us to follow Christ into tight situations, which result in His provision and glory. For me, it was a summer of no income, serving Christ on a summer internship in Ecuador. For you, it may be another country, an awkward conversation with a co-worker, giving generously to your local church, or praying a bold prayer for courage.
Whatever it is, Reader, continue walking boldly forward, trusting that your Shepherd will clear the way as you follow Him.
