A trusted friend suggested a little book to me over late night tea which has helped this Moses-fan-girl keep a Promised Land perspective. The Red Sea Rules: 10 God-given Strategies for Difficult Times was written by Rev. Robert J. Morgan in 2001 yet it’s been a fabulous buoy to hold onto especially over the last thirty days. I even shared a children’s moment about it highlighting two of the rules.

Moses finally gets permission for the people of God to be released to go worship the Lord. Everyone rushes to fill backpacks and gather loved ones. They head out in great numbers in community with joy and whatever they could carry. Moses’ sister Miriam and her girlfriends-in-the-Lord have packed tambourines not knowing where they are going yet knowing that at some point they will celebrate and dance before the Lord. A dance of deliverance and freedom.

Not long after God’s people had left Egypt to worship the Lord, Pharaoh changed his mind. With chariots, horses, power and anger, Pharaoh chases down the freed slaves. In fight, flight, and freeze mode, God’s people arrive at the Red Sea. Behind the Hebrews is the noise and hot anger of the Pharaoh and certain suffering. In front of the Hebrews is the noise and overwhelming waters of the unknown and uncertain. What to do? 

Red Sea Rule #1 – Realize that God means for you to be where you are. Struggles and tension are part of the Christian life and He’s chosen us for this time in history.

Red Sea Rule #2 – Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief. Instead of ‘How do I get out of this mess?’ ask a different question. Ask ‘How can God be honored and glorified in this mess?’

Red Sea Rule #3 – Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. Don’t toss around horrible names at those coming at you nor give the devil more credit than he is due. Keep your eyes on Jesus and do what you know is pleasing to Him.

Red Sea Rule #4 – Pray! Over many months I’ve set an alarm on my phone for 8:27 am & pm for August 27; then added 11:18am & pm for November 18. My prayer: Lord, let Your will be done. I submit to Your marching orders.

Red Sea Rule #5 – Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work. Time has been a gift and I’m grateful for it. Scales have fallen from many eyes and many hearts have softened over the in-between, liminal time.

Red Sea Rule #6 – When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. Take the next right-in-Jesus’-sight step forward. He’s a good shepherd and His sheep know His voice. Lord, let me step as a sheep and not a goat.

Red Sea Rule #7 – Envision God’s enveloping presence. I do not fear, for He is with His people. All of us.

Red Sea Rule #8 – Trust God to deliver in His own unique way. God chooses the way and He is trustworthy. The Lord can deliver overtly (through a miracle), covertly (by providence), or mysteriously (John 13:7).

Red Sea Rule #9 – View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future. So many times peace comes when I think, “This time next year….”

Red Sea Rule #10 – Don’t forget to praise Him. “Whether I have an ‘Alas!’ or an ‘Alleluia!’ depends on our perspective.” (p127) I’ve listened to Mercy Me’s “Even If…” on repeat for weeks.

Just a few weeks ago I walked into a room I thought was trustworthy and led with honor. I’m a rule follower and expected nothing less from my professing Christian siblings. I was wrong. It was a foregone conclusion what was going to happen and this was just a formality. My disappointment was deep and wide. It took me 2.5 hours to drive home. I needed every mile. In my car, by myself with the Lord, there was yelling in Buford and had-to-pull-over sobbing in Cumming. Yet as I drove into Canton where I live, there was a peace that overwhelmed me and my marching orders were clear. Once I had my Elijah moment with something to eat, and a few hours sleep, I was ready to turn and place my flip-flops in the Red Sea. And don’t you know…..it’s parting.

“But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5