“Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid.  Stand firm, and see the deliverance the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you only have to keep still.’”

Exodus 14:13-14

Contemplation Notes for Using this Devotional:

• This passage from the story of the crossing of the Red Sea reveals Moses’s spiritual maturity and faith as a leader, for he refuses to let the Israelites lose hope. He assures them, because in their despair they have forgotten, that God is with them, in the midst of their journey out of Egypt. He encourages them to trust in God, release their fears, and remain strong.
• In the story, God tells Moses to part the sea so the Israelites can cross, despite the Egyptians’ advances. When they reach the other side, the Israelites’ path disappears, and the Egyptians drown. This can symbolize how our fears fade and past troubles dissolve when we choose to free ourselves from the grip of difficulties and trust divine guidance.  It also reminds us not to retreat to former behaviors and choices.
• The Red Sea represents our route of transformation to reach our Promised Land, wherever or whatever that is. So, when we’re grounded in the faith that passes all understanding, we trust the transformative process. We don’t merely hope that our good will unfold; we feel it unfolding.  Furthermore, we gain clarity about what we can do while we let the process take its natural course, discerning when to wait and when to act.
• In her 1916 text, How I Used Truth, Homeopath and Metaphysician H. Emilie Cady says: “After you have done your part faithfully, earnestly,” God “will remove from your path the difficulties, which look to your mortal [human] vision, almost insurmountable, only if you stand still.” That’s how you will see “the ‘victory of the Lord on your behalf.’”
• Demonstration is your evidence of how well your life works. You demonstrate spiritual maturity, faith in yourself, and trust in divine guidance when you let things unfold in their own time. For example, when you discern what kind of work you want to do, you can target your resume specifically to help you receive the money, benefits, camaraderie, and fulfillment you desire.  This keeps you focused on your Promised-Land job, so you don’t rush to accept a position that doesn’t suit you.
• You can realize your own spiritual maturity and ability to trust by:
  • committing to a prayer and meditation practice.
  • living by faith.
  • looking beyond outer appearances, including age, physical ability, worldly success, and formal education.
  • staying self-aware and self-connected.
  • maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook.
  • persevering despite seeming setbacks.
  • managing your energy so you focus on what can be done now.
  • following your intuition, even if it doesn’t fully make sense.
  • refraining from worrying or forcing outcomes.
  • avoiding overthinking and overfunctioning.
  • keeping your mind and heart open.

Contemplation Questions:

As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:

• What is my Promised Land?
  • List, word map, or illustrate whatever it is.

• What am I waiting for as I allow my transformation to unfold?
  • List, word map, or illustrate everything that applies.

• In what ways am I seeing evidence that God is at work in the transformation?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all that applies, noting the date, time, and/or place, as appropriate, that you see your evidence.

• Based on all my evidence, what are at least three (3) ways I can continue trusting my transformative process?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you imagine.

Use this devotional anytime you’re experiencing transformation.  And remember, you live on God time, not earthly calendar time.  So, let go of any “when-will-it-happen” questions and avoid worrying about how things will unfold.  Instead, do what you can do, even while you “stand still,” and visualize yourself as strong and victorious.

© 2023 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.

Photo from Shutterstock by FCerez.