DON’T GIVE UP

Stop.
Place your hands on your chest. Feel your heart beating and your lungs filling with air. Breathe. Give thanks to God for the gift of life today.

Listen.
As Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites looked back, and there were the Egyptians advancing on them. In great fear the Israelites cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, bringing us out of Egypt?” – Exodus 14:10-11

Reflect.
Last week, we heard about God’s work through Moses to release the Israelites from slavery. This Sunday, we will hear about the Israelites in the wilderness and how quickly they forget about God’s protection. It feels like a huge surprise and betrayal, but they haven’t exactly been confident before.

We see a hint of this forgetfulness in this verse from Exodus 14. The Israelites stand before the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army close behind. They’re sure they will die here. Suddenly, they think it sounds better to stay enslaved. Their trust in God quickly evaporates when the situation seems desperate.

But God doesn’t give up just because the people do. God makes a way through the water and beyond the army. God desires abundant life for the people and won’t deny it when they feel hopeless. We remember that even on our most fearful and desperate days, God keeps us close. God’s gift of life will never end, no matter how bleak things seem.

Pray.
God, my Creator, I praise you for not just giving me life but protecting and sustaining me. Grant me calm when I worry, peace when I panic, and hope when all seems lost. Amen.

Carry On.
When you feel yourself slipping into despair today, don’t give up. Take a breath, put your hand on your chest, and remember the steady beat of God’s love for you.