On the Shoulders of GiantsSample

A Partnership

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.” -Exodus 14:13

Can we begin to imagine an estimated 2.5 million newly freed people gathered at the Red Sea?

Miracles in the form of ten plaques had propelled them as they walked toward a land, sight unseen. Their captors had supported their departure—or so they thought. But the heart of Pharaoh, the ruler of the world’s most powerful nation, had hardened and he wanted to return the Israelites to servitude.

The sight of oncoming Egyptian chariots erased thoughts of victory from their minds, and the Israelites became paralyzed with fear. Their leader, Moses, knew exactly what God was doing because of conversations and assurances from Him.

God reminded Moses and the Israelites they were in a partnership. Can you see this in Exodus 14? God brought them so far after hearing their prayers, and the immediate obstacles would soon be gone. This, however, would involve them. Moses would have to use the rod God gave him. They would have to move forward. They would have to trust God.

Viewing our history, the Exodus story of the Israelites parallels the African American saga, and we are in a similar partnership. These are challenging times, where many things that affect Black life are under siege.

Yet, we must walk with faith, vision, trust an all-powerful, all-knowing God, and use what’s in our hands. We’re descendants of those who walked into freedom solely with God’s roadmap—they await as a cloud of witnesses.

Noel Hutchinson

We now have tools better than those who came before us.

What’s in our hands?