With all the notice that leaders get, it should be said that following is not easy either.
Following the pillars, the Hebrews find themselves at the intersection between a mountain and a sea. From a distance, they can see the dust trail of the Pharaoh's chariots hot on their trail. It is by all appearance a dead end.
The Pharaoh, if nothing, is persistent. But in his stubborn refusal to accept defeat, he makes a terrible decision to go after the Hebrews. He should know he is no match against the God who just massacred his kingdom without the swing of a sword. But he is mad with grief. He is not thinking.
The Hebrews are also besides themselves in fright. And in that state, they ask Moses, "did you bring us all the way out here just to die?"
It's a good questions. We probably have asked it ourselves in similar dead end situations. It's not easy to follow God when he doesn't give us the whole itinerary. It's not easy when we are expected to walk to where the Pillar leads, and hope that more instructions will come when we get there.
Moses is a bit scared by the Hebrews tone of voice towards the God who just pulled off the mother of all miracles. He asks them to trust God and keep the complaining to a miminum.
Easier said then done.
Write
Think about your faith story: how have you experienced the place between a rock and a hard place? How did you complain against God?
in your life presently, where do you feel your faith in God challenged? How are you complaining to God?
Who do you know is between a rock and a hard place?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about the ways he has lead you to a seeming dead end. Thank God for the way he hears your complaints and comes through for you.
Pray about your current need for daring faith. Ask God for the help you need, the reassureance of his presence, and the courage to rely on him when you see no solutions.
Pray for your friend who is between a rock and a hard place. Ask God to give you the opportunity to support your friend by waiting on God with them.
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way he leads you to seeming dead ends, and then shows you what is possible with him.