A Story Worth Telling

Have you ever wondered why God protected the Israelites from the Egyptian army by parting the waters of the Red Sea? What I mean is, why part the Red Sea when He could have just wiped out the entire army even before it got near His children, or He could have simply changed Pharaoh’s heart and caused him to not even desire to pursue the Israelites? Why did He orchestrate such a dramatic escape and rescue?

I really had never questioned why God choose to part the Red Sea over less exhausting options. But a while back, I was reading Psalms 66, when I ran across the answer that prompted me to ask the question. I’m not sure that makes sense, but hang with me a minute and I’ll try to explain what I’m talking about.

When God parted the Red Sea, He did so to show His children Who He was – how powerful He was. I think maybe He knew that the image of the walls of water on either side of them as they passed through to the other side would be so branded on their minds that it would help to encourage them during the hard times ahead as they followed Him through the dessert.

They were told to set up stones to serve as a memorial and to tell future generations about Him and the mighty things He had done on their behalf.

But somewhere along the way, as that story and others were passed down, they must have lost their luster because the children of Israel had a difficult time trusting and following God through the dessert. They even forgot about Him and turned to worship other idols. I wonder if when they told the story to their children, if they even remembered to tell the story, was there any excitement? Did they share the story in such a way that the hearer was in total awe of the God of Israel or was it just another story?

What about us? Do we share all those stories with others? Do we even remember them ourselves? Are they just some stories in a book, something we’ve heard, or do they thrill us and encourage our hearts? Do we fully realize that our God is the same God who rolled back the waters of the Red Sea?

Are those stories even applicable today? It’s been a long time since waters have been parted…or has it?

If our God parted the Red Sea, is He not completely capable of parting seas in our lives today? If He can shut the mouths of Daniel’s lions, can he not shut the mouths of the lions circling us? And, if He can walk through a fiery furnace with three men and bring them out without one singed hair or even the faintest scent of smoke on their clothes, can He not safely bring us through the intense fires in our own lives?

Think about it a minute: Has a sea ever been parted in your life, or a lion’s mouth closed, or have you ever walked through a fiery trial…and survived?

If so, then you have a story worth telling.

When He does great things for us, He intends for us to be awed by them and by Who He is. He intends for us to set up memorials so that when we face future trials, we will remember what He has done in the past and we will receive strength for the journey ahead. And He absolutely intends for us to share our stories with others. He is not looking for eloquent storytellers. All He wants is for us to share our stories with sincere awe, gratitude, and a humble heart. As our brothers and sisters in Christ are reminded of the intimacy we are allowed to share with our Father, how He is actively involved with His children, they will be reminded of Who He is and gain strength for their journey. Maybe He will stir a desire in others who don’t know Him and He will draw them to Himself…all because we shared our story.

If you have some time, grab His Word and read Psalms 66. Then start telling your story to everyone who will listen.

Have a great week!

Louise

Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell you what He has done for me. Psalm 66:16