I think there’s a part of most people that can identify with the Israelites in today’s first reading. They’ve been through a lot! First in Egypt and now in the desert after a long march and facing a legion of Pharoah’s warriors, they’ve reached a breaking point. (Can you relate?) This is why they remind Moses that they asked him to leave them alone when he first told them they were about to set out for a promised land and freedom.
Trust God Has a Plan
At the same time, you’ve got to feel for Moses. Time after time, he tells them that no matter what, God will take care of them.
And yet, like we at times, the children of Israel are filled with doubt and fear on their journey. Moses tries once again, this time forcefully saying, “Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the victory God will win for you today.”
God, seeing how this is playing out, speaks to Moses and tells him what he and the people are to do. Moses, with the power of God working through him, will part the sea to allow the Israelites safe passage, and then once the Pharoah’s army follows, the walls of water will collapse and trap those that wish to harm God’s people.
In the process, it is both the children of Israel and Pharoah and his men who see the power of God and His care for His people.
At Your Breaking Point
In our families, as parents and grandparents, you might feel a lot like Moses, trying to convince your children and grandchildren, and others to journey with God through this life. And, no doubt, you’ve heard the words, “Leave me alone.” I’d bet you’ve also heard comparisons of how other children or adults are having a better life or an easier time who don’t seem to be following God’s teaching. You might have some of the same feelings yourself, having sacrificed and not seeing the progress you’d like to see, trusting in God but feeling overwhelmed and perhaps at your breaking point.
There Will be Victory
This is when we all need to remember that God sees everything and speaks to us every day. He is all-powerful and loving and will bring us through the desert moments of our lives when it looks like defeat is inevitable.
My brothers and sisters, faith allows us to believe that if we stand our ground in doing God’s will, we will see victory. That might mean making it through another day without a major fight at home. It could mean another day of being able to convince your son or daughter not to give in to the peer pressure of alcohol or drugs, or premarital sex. It could mean realizing that your husband or wife really does love you even when they’ve let you down. It could also mean you’re not giving up and instead staying the course for another day.
Whether you and your family are doing well, so-so, or like the children of Israel in the desert, today, we are reminded of the need to overcome our fears and discouragement by trusting in God. And by seeking people who are faithful followers of God, like Moses, who can direct us safely through the hard parts of life to victory with Jesus.
May God bless you and your families this holy day as we remember that with God, there is victory, even on the hardest of days!
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