The children of Israel were headed out of Egypt. But Pharaoh is set to take one last crack at them. He fervently wants to get them to turn around so he can put them back in chains.

He takes a huge multitude of chariots and battle-hardened, veteran charioteers and foot soldiers -- strong men who were each respected leaders in their own right -- and chases down the Israelites.

The Israelites find themselves trapped between this vast multitude of Pharaoh's elite and the Red Sea. They are squeezed with very little hope of victory or escape.

Fight? Not a real option. And with the Red Sea at their backs, neither is flight.

The Bible tells us the children of Israel have the normal human response. First fear -- or rather as Moses reports it in Exodus 14 -- terror. Then finger-pointing and blame. "What is this you did to us, Moses? We were perfectly safe as slaves in Egypt. Now we're all going to die!"

But Moses, the Israelites' leader, thinks differently. He is a classic "man of faith." He knows the God who has put them in this "impossible" situation. He understands that there is no way God will let them down at this point. And he has given up control to God. He realizes that he's powerless without him, anyway.

In other words, Moses is confident, "We've got the Egyptians right where we want them."

Or more accurately stated, "God's got them right where he wants them."

What a great lesson for us too! Fear and worry is not helpful or productive. When the situation seems dire, our best move is to stand firm and watch for God to act.

While you stand and watch, be still in your heart and believe that God has your situation "right where he wants it."

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” (‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭13-14,‬ NIV).

Our Bible reading for Friday, February 13, is Exodus 13:1 - 14:31, Matthew 27:45-66 and Proverbs 4:20-27.

Lord Jesus, help me to stand firm in the face of dire circumstances. Give me confidence in your promises, and faith in your love for me. Allow me to see clearly that I am powerless without you, and therefore the best thing I can do is give control to you. I want to stand firm, and not be afraid.

Header image based on "Sunset" by Brotchie, CC By-SA 2.0