A Daily Devotion for Thursday, April 9
- ontrakk
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Exodus 14:10-14
As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 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!”
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. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
This is such an interesting choice of scripture to accompany today’s devotion. In the scripture, Moses is trying to reassure the people that they will not be overcome by the Egyptians who are bearing down on them, about to trap them at the edge of the Red Sea. He reminds the people of God’s promises. In the devotion, parents of a 17 year old boy are waiting to see their son in jail after receiving a call that he has been arrested. They are despairing, until a stranger approaches them and asks to pray with them. “God sent this man to love and comfort us when we needed it most.” The couple were comforted and reassured and were reminded of God’s presence with them at a very painful time. It is because of stories (scriptural accounts) of God’s comfort and deliverance that I am able to have faith and trust in God’s intentions. Although my experiences of being rescued from fear and anxiety may not measure up to the parting of the Red Sea, they are every bit as important to me. They remind me God’s love and promises are just as real today, and in my life, as they have always been, since the very beginning.
Holy Lord, you are so good. You have always been good and will always be faithful. Your timing is known only to you, but experience and tradition remind us of your promises and your protection. I am so thankful, and full of love for you. Amen
Becky, transforming
Exodus 14:10-14
As familiar as we are with Moses and the Exodus, I always find this portion amazing. The Israelites willingly followed Moses out of Egypt rather than remain as slaves, BUT when suddenly they saw Pharos men following, they became afraid and actually told Moses they were probably better off in Egypt compared to the death they feared as the soldiers got closer. They complained to Moses and he told them the Lord would protect them--just be still. Be still? Really? The enemy is in sight! But the Lord did just as Moses had said. He made a path across the sea, but closed it on the Egyptians. At this point, they began to understand the power…
Thursday, April 9th, 2026
A STRANGER’S BLESSING
( Focus: For boldness to follow God’s prompting
Today’s reading Exodus 14:10-14 Moses ready to part the Red Sea.
Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you, and you need only to be silent.”
Parting the Red Sea is always such a powerful lesson for me. Prior to this happening Moses is instructing the Israelites to be still and they will see the hand of God. They were showing their lack of faith in God. In The Bible we read the lord continually saying to his people “do not be afraid” one of my most beautiful hymns is entitled “Be not Afraid. Being still is a conscious choice to stop worrying, complaining, or…