Have you ever had a “Red Sea” moment? The situations that looked impossible? The ones you try to avoid? I have definitely had quite a few moments like that this year. It’s funny because I’ve spent most of my life trying to avoid being in pickles like this. Actually, a friend (hi Fran!) and I have a joke that when faced with pickles, I close my eyes…and run. But a conversation with a friend reminded me that Red Sea moments are actually a good thing.

My friend and I had been reading Hebrews 3 and 4, which talks about warnings against unbelief, and the value of the Sabbath. In the context of chapter three, the writer is reminding people that God has worked miracles in impossible situations, specifically referring to the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt and the 40 years in the desert. This is what made Red Sea moments come to mind. I’ve seen God do crazy stuff. I hear his voice. And still I am worried! But I really have no reason to be.

After tea (it was really hot chocolate) with my friend, I went back to my apartment and reflected on my Red Sea moments. I was thankful for them. And looking back on all these moments gave me confidence that not only will there be more moments like these, but the sea will part for me. What is also comforting is that Jesus is our intercessor (Hebrews 4:14), which gives me, an incredibly squeaky wheel, the ability to approach the throne of grace with confidence. God promises to help us when we need it — and I’ll be honest…I always really feel God’s presence right when my back’s against the wall. I guess that’s often the case, that we don’t realise how much we need God until he is literally the only option. But, as my friend simply put it (and I love it), Jesus says don’t worry about it. That’s been such a key promise for me, because I worry a lot, and a couple months ago I was waking up in the middle of the night and early in the morning with my heart pounding for no reason! But as we’ve swung into summer, I’ve been practicing worrying less.

Can I challenge you to do something? (And I challenge myself, too.) Make God your first option. Not the backup plan. And I think if you trust Him (really really trust Him), you’ll see a dry path to walk through, too.