He Made a Way
Last Sunday, our church worship team led us in singing “I Believe”, as originally recorded by Charity Gayle. Though it’s not the first time we’ve sung the song, this time it hit me square in the heart. When singing the following words, I nearly melted into a joyful, grateful (if not weary) puddle of tears:
“I believe
You’ve already made a way
I’m running through parted waves
Straight to You
You are always faithful”
Gonna be honest: 2024 was a hard year for our family. We experienced multiple health issues, unplanned career changes, and homeschooling two young kiddos, among other trials and challenges. God, in His infinite grace, was faithful to us every step of the way! Even when it felt like our world was crashing down around us, God remained steadfast, shielding us with His might, fighting our battles for us.
“I’m running through parted waves…” Such an accurate description! Let’s dive deeper into this for a moment…
Imagine, if you will, being one of the Israelites freshly delivered out of Egypt and slavery. Cornered between Pharaoh’s pursuing army & the massive Red Sea, God sets Himself between you and your enemies, then divinely parts the waters, creating a dry path through the sea for you to walk through and escape your enemies. Can you imagine what that looks like? Feels like?? Towers of water to your left and right, looming large, threatening to drown you at any moment. Enemies behind you, an unknown destination in front of you. “Nerve wracking” would be an understatement! “Terrified” seems more likely. Yet God held back the waters under His sovereign command until the very last Israelite arrived safely on the opposite shore. (Read more about this story in Exodus 14.)
God didn’t require the Israelites to do anything except walk where He said to walk, and to trust Him. He took care of the rest. He made a way.
Walk where He says to walk, and trust Him. Those words are an apt summary of our family’s last year. Through the many attacks of the enemy and life being, well, life-y, God unfailingly held the threatening “waters” under His sovereign command. He simply asked us to walk where He said to walk and to trust Him. Even when we stumbled, stalled, and questioned whether we were hearing His voice or our own, He patiently picked us up and continued to guide us.
My point is this: Friend, I don’t know how 2024 treated you. Nor do I know what 2025 will be like for any of us. We make our plans, but God directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9, paraphrased). What I do know is God has gone before you and will go with you even now. He knows what is on the other side of your “Red Sea”: Himself! God loves you. He wants YOU — heart, mind, body, and soul — and He will part the waters to make a way for you to be with Him.
Just follow Jesus. He IS the way.
Walk where He says to walk, and trust Him.
“And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” — Matthew 1:23b
