Somedays life is just hard. The believers hearing 1 John were given a reminder that their faith in Jesus is meant to be a foundation that they can lean on, trust in, and stand on no matter what life sends their way. That learning about Jesus and growing in their faith is wonderful and central, but not to fall into a trap of thinking that their faith rests in their head, but instead rests in the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives.
Caught between Pharaoh’s army and the sea, Israel faces the terrifying reality that freedom often feels uncertain before it feels victorious. God leads them into impossible places so they can learn that His presence makes a way where none exists.
On the night of Passover, Israel learns that deliverance comes not through strength or certainty, but through trusting God in vulnerability and surrender. Before they ever reach freedom, they must learn what it means to belong to God and move when He says go.
After Moses’ initial obedience leads to greater disappointment and pain, Moses and Israel must wrestle with their discouragement and confusion. God reminds them that formation often happens when faith must survive in between promise and fulfillment.