Stretch out your hand.

Exodus 14:21-26, Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. And the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea. And it came about at the morning watch, that the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion. And He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from Israel, for the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen.”

At God’s command, Moses stretched out his hand, a simple act for a man that has little power, but mighty when releasing God’s power. The first time it brought rescue to the escaping nation by opening up the sea and exposing dry land for them to cross safely. The second time, the dry land turned to mire, and the sea closed over the attacking army of Egypt. We have this amazing account to show us the power of God both in rescuing a nation and subduing its enemies. The power of the enemy towards the nation was real, and sometimes we give more credit to the enemy than to God. Do we trust in His power to overcome the enemy?

We thank You for scripture and for showing us that even in tribulation Your power has overcome the world!