Between a rock and a hard place.

"When Pharoah let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea."
Exodus 3:17-18


I know that God often puts us in uncomfortable places. Lately I have been feeling extreme anxiety about going to Athens. I am between a rock and a hard place. I can't quit school and give into my fears but I also can't continue with school on my own. I feel as if there is no turning back and moving forward. My bible study today turned my attention to the Israelites. God put them in an uncomfortable place. He didn't give them an out to return to slave-hood in Egypt by leading the people around Philistine country. He knew that if confronted with war, the Israelites would give up and return to Egypt (v.17).


God put them between a rock and a hard place.. literally. He led them to the Red Sea for them to turn around and watch the destruction of the Egyptian army heading towards them. They couldn't run away. It was too late to change minds. And at that moment, God must have seemed cruel and heartless. But he wasn't. He was about to reveal himself to them in a way he had never revealed himself to anyone. If they had run, they would not have witnessed the way God set aside laws of nature to save those who are dependent on him for salvation. Not only did the parting of the Red Sea reveal him as God Almighty, but it stands today as a witness to us that God is not hampered by the impossible.


It is not out of character for God to put us in uncomfortable circumstances. However, while it may be uncomfortable, it is not purpose-less. God is willing to allow the discomfort and anxiety to highlight his power and grace when he leads us. After the parting of the Red Sea, the Israelites were no longer slaves, but a people worthy of having the sea moved out of their way. They had a leader who could carry them and protect them from any thing imaginable. 


I recognize that God has and will pin me in a corner. He has and will allow those same anxiety producing moments in my life that the Israelites experienced. God being the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, will pin me between a rock and hard place and let me watch my approaching destruction. He might even let things in my life look really bad for a while. But I have something that the Israelites didn't. I have the Red Sea. I have the promise of salvation and protection. I have the knowledge that God is able and willing to do the impossible to rescue me. I know that God uses these uncomfortable circumstances to reveal himself to me. I don't need to be afraid. 


"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.."
Isaiah 41:10