” Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’ 4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord. “ So the Israelites did this.” Exodus 14:1-4 NKJV
“ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. 24 During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. 25 He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.” 26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” Exodus 14:21-26 NKJV
Lord God Almighty,
You told Moses to tell the Israelites to turn back and camp by the sea! They must have thought him mad. Reversing towards the enemy and cut off by an expanse of water. There comes a time when we just have to trust You know best. And You did. There was a pillar of cloud to guide and they obeyed! I am sure it did not stop them muttering and complaining as they did all the rest of the way.
Following not just saved them it removed the problem completely. It did not take away the challenge before them but the threat behind them. Lord God help us to keep looking forward to where You would lead us and not be overwhelmed by the challenges ahead. Remove any threats we have from behind and watch our backs as You did for the Israelites.
You can open the way forward when it is the right time and you lead and do not push. The enemy pushes us and makes us feel trapped. When You say forward, that is when we need to move. So help us know and recognise Your voice in whatever way it comes. Jesus told us we would know His voice and so we stand on that promise and listen. (John 10:27).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 28th January 2026
Sometimes worship needs to be a familiar rousing tune and well known words.
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliv’rer, strong Deliv’rer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield;
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death and hell’s Destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.
Lyrics: William Williams
Translator: Peter Williams