Circumstances

Israel spent 400 years in bondage in Egypt. During this time they prayed constantly that God would bring them out of the enslaved condition and deliver them to freedom. Their desire was to return to the land that God had promised Abraham, a land that was flowing with milk and honey. However, during their long enslavement the people had lost their sense of independence. Their food, clothing and shelter were provided by their masters. Every major decision of their lives was made by their masters. Their ability to govern, provide for and protect themselves had been completely lost.

When God decided to free them from slavery and bring them into the Promised Land their survival abilities had diminished to the point of nonexistence. They had become comfortable with their slave status to the point that the smallest obstacle they faced would defeat them. Since God knew their weaknesses more than they themselves, he lead them on a journey that would take them longer than usual. This longer route would provide a strengthening period for Israel. It would also insure that they understood clearly that their liberation was the result of the power of God. This text aids us in discovering that God through His divine power delivers us from many circumstances. There are many things which have hindered us throughout life and believe it or not there are still circumstances that cause problems and discouraging moments for each of us. I want though to take a moment to view the power God projects through circumstances that have risen in our lives. Now to begin with, the word

Circumstance - a condition, fact, or event accompanying; or determining another.  Many of us are familiar with the old adage, if it ain’t one thang it’s another. This phrase describes the frustration of circumstances.  Often when we really want to do our best we can depend on there being some circumstances to be encountered. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage somebody while I encourage me. Allow me to submit that…

§  There are circumstances God will help us get “around” (i.e. people)

(Exodus 13:17) The journey from Egypt to The land of Canaan should have taken about a month at the longest. Initially Israel would have marched out of Egypt into Canaan, engaged in battle with the Philistines and would have been in the Promised Land. However, God led them on a different route. It was a longer route that challenged them both mentally and spiritually. It was a route that took them down in a valley, across the red sea, and through a wilderness. They would avoid war with the Philistines but would be snared by conditions that would make it obvious to them that their salvation came from the Lord. See the philistines were aggressive people. They were people you were natural warriors. They were arrogant and haughty people.  You see God will take us around some people to keep us away from conflict. God often shelters us from some things to  give us an opportunity to be what He desires us to be.  See there are some things we can not handle, some situations we are unable deal with at certain times in our life.  So, believe it or not God prepares detours in our lives so that we will be where he wants us in one piece. Often many of us look at the success of others and begin to wonder why we don’t have what others have and we are not where others are in life. Perhaps it is because God is taking you in a different direction so that you are better prepared for the Promised Land. Many of us want it all now. But God says you can’t handle it all now.  There are many of us who prefer shortcuts and don’t realize that often short cuts cost.  (I wanted a Church with a thousand (1000) members…)

§  There are circumstances God will help us get “beyond” (i.e. fear)

“(12) Didn't we say to you in Egypt, Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!’

(13) Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. (14) The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:10-14, NIV)

1. they were terrified at the sight of the Egyptians

a.        though they were free physically, they were enslaved mentally

b.       they were out of slavery but slavery was not out of them

1. Moses’ encouragement to the children of Israel (13-14):

a.        do not fear – cp. reverence

b.       stand still – “to set or station oneself”

c.        see the salvation of the LORD – “perceive”

                                                               i.      you have to see it before you see it

                                                              ii.      when you see it then you’ll see it

                                                            iii.      FAITH is seeing it before you see it!

d.       The LORD shall fight for you, and (you) shall hold your peace – demonstrate silence (as speechless & deaf: neither speaking nor hearing) There are some battle we need not fight, it’s not our fight it’s the Lords fight. See, the sooner you stop fearing and start trusting, the sooner you stand still and see God and not the enemy the sooner you can shout, because you know God is gonna bring you out.

e.        God gets us beyond our fear by delivering us from our enemies. While He delivers us He is developing an avenue to trust Him. In order for one to overcome his fear of the enemy, he must begin trusting God. The more you trust God the less concerned you are about your problems.  The more you trust God the less credence you give to those who are against you. 

§  There are circumstances God will help us get “through” (i.e. the Red Sea)

Simply said, “There is nothing impossible for God.”  I know what the critics say. I know what the doubters believe.  I know what the skeptics see.  But one thing is for sure, they don’t see what I see.  I see what the children of Israel could not see, they saw pharaoh’s army behind them, they saw mountains on both sides of them, and they saw the Red Sea before them.  But I see a God that can get you through what you can’t get through alone.  I see a God who will make away out of no way.  I see Adam’s maker, Noah’s Architect, Abrahams promise keeper, David’s Shepherd, Jeremiah’s Hope, Elisha’s Eye-opener, my Rock, My deliverer.  There is no circumstance too hard for God… 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll—Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well with my soul.

Tho Satan should buffet, tho trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and shed His own blood for my soul.