They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. (Ex. 14:10)
I learned to ride a bike on a perfect summer day. I was four or five years old, and I begged Dad to take the training wheels off my little two-wheeler. I hopped on with confidence and said, “Let’s go.” Dad walked along behind me, holding onto the seat post to steady me. “Just keep pedaling,” he said. So I went faster. And faster. Then I heard his voice again, but this time from a distance. “You’re doing great!” I looked around to see that I’d ridden about twenty yards on my own. I froze. Then I crashed.
That’s the experience the Israelites had upon seeing the Egyptian army. They’d been doing great. Following God’s instructions. Moving out boldly (v. 8). Then they looked back to see exactly where they’d come—and who was chasing them. Terrified may not be a strong enough word to describe that feeling. But the Israelites didn’t freeze then crash. They cried out to God, and he saved them, which is just what he’d planned to do all along.
I got back on the bike and tried again. Dad gave me a gentle shove, and I’ve been riding ever since. You can follow suit. As you mature in faith, you can ride a little farther “on your own.” But you’ll still need the Lord’s help. So ask for it. And don’t be afraid to keep going.
As you ride (or drive), thank God for his protection.
Lawrence W. Wilson lives in rural Indiana where he enjoys cycling, yardwork, and reading a wide assortment of books.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
