I have heard it said, “When life throws you a lemon, make lemonade.” And what I know to be true is this; whenever life throws you a lemon, it will also throw at you the option of turning that lemon into a nice glass of lemonade. Life never puts you in a pit without giving you options to get out. According to Napoleon Hill, the author of the book, “Think and Grow Rich”, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache, carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” Consider your current situation. What options are available to bring you out of that unpleasant situation?
The Bible gives a detailed account of Israel’s departure from Egypt. Initially, Pharaoh was pleased to let the people go following the death of all firstborns in Egypt. However, as Israel departed, he had second thoughts and decided to chase after them with about six hundred chosen chariots. The Bible says, “And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them, and they were sore afraid; and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.”
Now you need to know this story to appreciate what is happening here. At this point, these people were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. If they moved forward, they would drown in the Red Sea, if they moved backwards away from the sea or remained rooted to the spot and did nothing, Pharaoh’s army would capture them and in the process, some could be killed. Either way, it seemed death was inevitable. They cried to God and complained to Moses as they were afraid and not sure which option to take. God saw their confusion and stepped in to take an option on their behalf. He said to Moses, “Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward.” This may not have seemed a very wise option, as it would result in the death of all, by drowning. However, they obeyed, despite their fears. Miraculously, as they moved forward, the Red Sea parted to make way for them to go through.
The enemy chased after them but the sea returned to its place and the children of Israel watched as the enemy they feared drowned in the waters. The children of Israel got more than they bargained for when they moved forward towards the Red Sea. Firstly, they went through without harm and thus escaped Pharaoh’s army. Secondly, the enemy they feared would destroy them was destroyed and they never had to worry about being forced to return to slavery; finally, they were free indeed. All this happened because they were willing to take a risk and go forward despite the fear of drowning.
If you follow your heart and go forward, despite your fears, you will discover as you take a step forward that the obstacles on your path will give way to allow you to advance. God still causes seas to part.
